Microplastics and human health: Exposure pathways, toxicological impacts, and sustainable risk management

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) have become pervasive environmental contaminants, raising growing concerns regarding their implications for human health and environmental sustainability. This perspective paper explores the various ways humans are exposed to MPs, including through diet, air, and skin contact. Seafood, especially fish and shellfish, is a major source of dietary exposure, but MPs have also been found in water, salt, and other food products. The small size of MPs allows them to cross biological barriers and potentially cause harm. Once inside the human body, MPs can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage, and they can also act as carriers for harmful chemicals and pathogens, further increasing their health risks. Beyond characterizing health effects, this paper reviews current approaches for risk assessment and sustainable risk management, including the estimated daily intake and polymer hazard index, which are essential tools for evaluating the toxicity of different polymer types and prioritizing mitigation efforts. Despite ongoing research, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the long-term effects of chronic exposure to MPs, underscoring the need for further studies. To address these risks, this paper discusses strategies to reduce exposure, including reducing plastic use, improving food packaging, and raising consumer awareness. It also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and policy action to mitigate the public health threat posed by MPs. Finally, we call for further research, particularly in terms of human biomonitoring and interdisciplinary collaboration, to better understand the full range of health impacts and inform effective policies.