Toxicological assessment of the effects of microplastics on human health

Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants. Concerns have been raised about the potential impacts on human health due to ingestion of microplastics. The purpose of this literature review is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the toxicological effects of microplastics on human health. A comprehensive search of scientific databases was performed and relevant studies were selected for inclusion. Results suggest that microplastics can cause physical damage, such as inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as chemical damage, such as additive leaching and oxygen radical production. Epidemiological studies have also investigated potential health effects of microplastic exposure. The results of this literature review highlight the need for further research to fully understand the potential health risks associated with microplastic exposure.