Microplastics in the human body: what we know and what we still need to find out

In a recently published review in Nature Medicine, researchers from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (ALIFE) summarized the current scientific knowledge on the health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). The paper was co-authored within the MOMENTUM consortium.

The review highlights that MNPs have been detected in several human tissues, including the lungs, intestines, reproductive organs, placenta, and brain. Laboratory studies show that these particles can cross biological barriers and may affect cell function. Early clinical findings suggest possible links with immune, reproductive, and cardiovascular effects, but evidence from human studies is still limited.

The authors emphasize that to make progress, new methods are urgently needed. Better tools to measure human exposure, larger and more robust clinical studies, and international collaboration will be crucial to assess potential health risks.

The review concludes that while concerns about MNPs are growing, more reliable and harmonized research is essential to understand their true impact on human health.