Health impacts and detection challenges of human exposure to microplastics

The widespread use of plastic has led to growing concerns about the release and impact of microplastics and nanoplastics (MPNPs) on both the environment and human health. The surge in plastic production during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the potential for human exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. MPNPs pose significant health risks due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic properties, primarily through DNA damage and the adsorption of toxic contaminants. Their small size and large surface area-to-volume ratio increase their reactivity with biological tissues. Despite these potential hazards, limited technologies are currently available for detecting MPNPs in humans. This review provides a comprehensive overview of MPNPs, focusing on their origins, chemical compositions, and the mechanisms by which they contribute to carcinogenesis. In addition, it explores various types of cancers linked to microplastic exposure and outlines current methodologies for detecting microplastics in human tissues.