Microplastic Pollution and Human Health: Emerging Evidence and Public Health Implications for Bangladesh

Microplastics are persistent plastic particles increasingly detected in water, air, soil, food, aquatic organisms and human biological samples. Exposure occurs mainly through ingestion and inhalation, with potentially greater occupational contact in textile production, plastic manufacture, recycling and waste handling. Experimental studies indicate biologically plausible effects involving oxidative stress, inflammation, epithelial-barrier dysfunction, mitochondrial injury, immune alteration and genotoxicity. Toxicity may also be influenced by plastic additives, adsorbed pollutants and microorganisms attached to particle surfaces. Microplastics have been reported in human stool, blood, placenta, breast milk and lung tissue, demonstrating gastrointestinal passage, inhalation and possible systemic distribution. However, human investigations are generally small and cross-sectional, and particle detection does not establish disease causation. Evidence concerning respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, reproductive, neurological and metabolic outcomes remains largely experimental. Bangladesh may be vulnerable because of rapid urbanisation, inadequate waste management, industrial and textile activities, dense river networks and reliance on aquatic food resources. Local studies have documented contamination in urban lakes, major rivers, coastal environments, drinking-water systems and commonly consumed fish, but nationally representative exposure data and human biomonitoring are unavailable. Public-health priorities include reducing unnecessary plastic use, improving waste segregation and recycling, strengthening wastewater and industrial controls, protecting exposed workers and expanding laboratory and surveillance capacity. A precautionary response is justified, provided uncertain associations are not presented as confirmed human disease. The Journal of Ad-din Women's Medical College; Vol. 14(2), July 2026; p 38-44