Environmental Science & Technology, 18 December 2024

A Rapid Systematic Review

Effects of Microplastic Exposure on Human Digestive, Reproductive, and Respiratory Health

In 2019, 460 million metric tons of plastic were produced, with estimates that production will triple by 2060. The largest proportion of plastic production comes from single-use plastics, and 98% of single-use plastics are derived from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are used to make petrochemicals, a broad and diverse group of chemicals that are the feedstock for the production of plastics. The petrochemical industry is pivoting to ramp up the production of plastics given expectations that the sales of oil and gas will decrease.  This has raised concern, as the production of plastics also contributes to greenhouse gases across their life cycle from cradle to grave.

In addition, there is well-established evidence from authoritative or systematic reviews on the human health effects of plasticizers and plastics-related chemicals. For example, phthalates can increase the risk of preterm birth and adverse male reproductive effects and bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is likely or very likely to be a hazard for immunotoxicity, metabolic effects, neurotoxicity and developmental toxicity, female reproductive toxicity, male reproductive toxicity, and carcinogenicity.