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Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants that pose significant health risks due to their ability to accumulate in various ecosystems and enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. Emerging research highlights their potential toxicity, including oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine disruption, and genotoxicity. Microplastics can act as carriers for heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and pathogenic microorganisms, further amplifying their toxicological impact. Additionally, nanoplastics—smaller derivatives of microplastics—exhibit increased bioavailability and cellular uptake, raising concerns about their long-term effects on human health. The gastrointestinal, respiratory, and immune systems appear particularly vulnerable to microplasticinduced toxicity, with potential implications for metabolic disorders and neurological dysfunction. Despite growing evidence, gaps remain in understanding the precise mechanisms of microplastic toxicity, necessitating further research into exposure pathways, biomonitoring techniques, and regulatory strategies. This review explores the latest findings on microplastic toxicity, discusses their health implications, and highlights the need for comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation policies.