Volume 29, Issue 162, August 2025

Microplastic and Nanoplastic Pollution: A Pervasive Toxic Trespass with Profound Global Health Consequences

Krzysztof Pietrzak^1♦, Małgorzata Wasilewska¹, Sebastian Polok²

¹University Hospital of Zielona Góra Zyty 26, 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland
²University Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Krzysztof Pietrzak, University Hospital of Zielona Góra, Zyty 26, 65- 046 Zielona Góra, Poland

ABSTRACT

Microplastic (MP) and Nanoplastic Pollution (NP) is an emerging global concern. It has health implications for humans. This review explores new evidence about human pathways of exposure, organ systems effects, at-risk populations, ecological implications, and possible prevention options. Humans are exposed to MPs/NPs and associated chemical additives (e.g., phthalates, endocrine disruptors, tirederived compounds) through contaminated food chains, bottled water consumption, environmental sources like airborne particles (linked to environmental injustice), and occupational settings. Critically, MP/NP bioaccumulate in human tissues like brain or testis. Contamination leads to significant health consequences: promotion of Parkinson ’s-associated protein aggregation, adverse impacts on male reproductive health and sperm count, potential disruption of fetal development, and substantially increased cardiovascular risk via presence in atheromas and association with major cardiovascular events. Phthalate exposure contributes significantly to global cardiovascular mortality. Vulnerable populations are children, marginalized communities in pollution "sacrifice zones," and waste/recycling workers. They face disproportionate risks. Plastic pollution further damages marine ecosystems, threatening food security, alters disease vector ecology, and fuels climate change through production and open burning. Reduction requires technological innovations like magnetic water purification and biodegradation. It seems that policy support is needed, like demanding chemical transparency from producers, and banning harmful practices like open burning. The evidence underscores the necessity for a common endeavour approach to threats to ecosystem integrity and human health, prioritizing prevention.

Keywords: Microplastic Exposure, Human Health Impacts, Environmental Justice, Chemical Additives, Plastic Pollution Mitigation

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e141ms3655

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i162.e141ms3655

Published: 21 August 2025