The Gruesomeness of Microplastics: Food Contamination, Human Exposure, and Health Risks

Plastics, once addressed as a revolutionary, effective, and beneficial invention, have now become a global environmental nightmare due to the alarming rise of microplastic pollution. This form of pollution is increasingly being recognized as a serious global disorder. Microplastics, whether originating directly from primary sources or from the degradation of larger plastic waste, are now pervasive in the air, soil, and aquatic environments. These microscopic particles are easily ingested both directly and indirectly by a wide range of organisms, including humans, eventually entering the human food chain through bioaccumulation. Owing to their minuscule size, microplastics can infiltrate the human body through multiple exposure routes primarily via food and water consumption, inhalation, and dermal contact. These exposure pathways raise significant health concerns, as microplastics are linked to various adverse effects, including inflammation, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and potential long-term toxicity. The objective of this review article is to comprehensively explore the entry pathways of microplastics into the human body and examine their associated biotoxicity and health risks. For this purpose, over 200 relevant studies were reviewed to gather a well-rounded understanding of the growing threat posed by microplastic contamination.