Washington, April 24 (SANA) Recent research has raised concerns over the potential health risks posed by microplastic particles, suggesting they may affect multiple vital systems in the human body.
A study conducted by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that microplastics widely present in the environment could impact organs including the brain, liver, kidneys and reproductive system, with indications they may also reach the placenta and affect fetal health.
According to the study, published in JAMA Network of the American Medical Association, plastics are composed of complex industrial compounds linked to thousands of chemicals, many of which are considered harmful to human health. These include highly toxic substances such as PFAS, commonly used in some household products and cookware.
Researchers said that as plastics break down in the environment, they form microscopic and nanoscopic particles that can enter the human body through inhalation or ingestion. Once inside, they may travel through the bloodstream and accumulate in the lungs or other tissues and organs. Exposure can also occur through bottled water, beverages, everyday plastic products and cosmetics.
In a separate study published in January 2026 in the Journal of Hazardous Materials by Elsevier, researchers from several U.S. universities reported a link between microplastic exposure and reduced ovarian reserve in women, raising concerns about potential impacts on fertility and reproductive health.
The findings come amid a sharp rise in global plastic production and daily usage, which researchers say is increasing human exposure to microplastics. They stressed the need for further studies to assess long-term health effects and to develop strategies aimed at reducing exposure.
The research underscores the importance of advancing environmental and public health policies to limit the spread of microplastics and mitigate their potential risks in everyday life.
IZ/RK
