Microplastics and Their Implications for Health

Microplastic (MP) contamination is an emerging public health concern, with studies indicating humans ingest approximately 50,000 MP particles annually through food, water, and air (Maiti et al., 2023; Zheng et al., 2023). These particles, smaller than 5mm, originate from plastic degradation, synthetic textiles, and industrial waste, entering the human body via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption (Li et al., 2023). MPs have been detected in human blood, lungs, and placentas, raising significant concerns about their potential long-term health effects, including inflammation, endocrine disruption, and chronic diseases (Maiti et al., 2023). This systematic review synthesizes current research on MP contamination and its health impacts, ensuring a comprehensive analysis while minimizing bias. Key databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus were used to gather relevant studies emphasizing the need for targeted regulatory actions in healthcare, food safety, and environmental sectors. This study highlights critical themes related to the biological effects of MPs, their accumulation in vital organs, and the disruption of biological functions. Future research can conduct quantitative epidemiological studies to assess MP levels in human tissues and qualitative interviews to explore public awareness and behavioral responses to MP risks.