Problematic issues of the impact of microplastics on the human body and the environment: A review

Abstract

Currently, the widespread use of plastic has become a serious problem for the environment and human health. Microplastics, being an artificial polymer created by man, are highly resistant to external influences and their decomposition requires a significant amount of time. The article provides information on the distribution of microplastics and their impact on the environment and the human body, issues of detecting microplastics in the blood, heart, lungs, placenta and meconium, in breast milk, hypothetical mechanisms by which microplastics penetrate into human tissues and the metabolism of plasticizers in children with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In the modern world, plastic has become an integral part of our daily lives, the presence of microplastics in plastic bags for storing breast milk, in baby formula and polypropylene bottles has been demonstrated, the relationship between microplastics and postpartum depression, the relationship between fecal microplastics and the status of inflammatory bowel diseases has been described. Making the decision to limit the use of plastic products in your home is an important step that can play a key role in reducing environmental pollution and protecting the health of future generations.