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Open AccessReview
Counteracting the Harms of Microplastics on Humans: An Overview from the Perspective of Exposure
by
Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Dr. Kuok Ho Daniel Tang is a global
professor of the Department of Environmental Science at the at [...]
Dr. Kuok Ho Daniel Tang is a global
professor of the Department of Environmental Science at the University of
Arizona Microcampus at Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China. He
obtained his B.Sc. in Chemistry and Biology from Campbell University, USA, his
M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Nottingham, UK, and
his Ph.D. in Engineering Management–Occupational Safety from the University of
Malaya, Malaysia. Prior to joining the University of Arizona, he worked as an
academic at Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United
International College and Curtin University Malaysia for 10 years. He is a
Chartered Engineer and a Chartered Environmentalist registered with the Energy
Institute, UK. He is also a registered EIA consultant, with vast experience in
managing environmental projects, particularly environmental impact assessment
and management plans. He is active in research related to climate change,
environmental management, environmental education, sustainable development, and
occupational health and safety. He serves on the editorial boards and as a
reviewer for numerous journals.
Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
Microplastics 2025, 4(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics4030047 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 7 April 2025
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Revised: 2 May 2025
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Accepted: 30 May 2025
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Published: 1 August 2025
Abstract
Microplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants that pose risks to human health through ingestion and inhalation. This review synthesizes current practices to reduce exposure and toxicity by examining major exposure routes and dietary interventions. More than 130 papers were analyzed to achieve this aim. The findings show that microplastics contaminate a wide range of food products, with particular concern over seafood, drinking water, plastic-packaged foods, paper cups, and tea filter bags. Inhalation exposure is mainly linked to indoor air quality and smoking, while dermal contact poses minimal risk, though the release of additives from plastics onto the skin remains an area of concern. Recommended strategies to reduce dietary exposure include consuming only muscle parts of seafood, moderating intake of high-risk items like anchovies and mollusks, limiting canned seafood liquids, and purging mussels in clean water before consumption. Avoiding plastic containers, especially for hot food or microwaving, using wooden cutting boards, paper tea bags, and opting for tap or filtered water over bottled water are also advised. To mitigate inhalation exposure, the use of air filters with HyperHEPA systems, improved ventilation, regular vacuuming, and the reduction of smoking are recommended. While antioxidant supplementation shows potential in reducing microplastic toxicity, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. This review provides practical, evidence-based recommendations for minimizing daily microplastic exposure.
Share and Cite
MDPI and ACS Style
Tang, K.H.D.
Counteracting the Harms of Microplastics on Humans: An Overview from the Perspective of Exposure. Microplastics 2025, 4, 47.
https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics4030047
AMA Style
Tang KHD.
Counteracting the Harms of Microplastics on Humans: An Overview from the Perspective of Exposure. Microplastics. 2025; 4(3):47.
https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics4030047
Chicago/Turabian Style
Tang, Kuok Ho Daniel.
2025. "Counteracting the Harms of Microplastics on Humans: An Overview from the Perspective of Exposure" Microplastics 4, no. 3: 47.
https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics4030047
APA Style
Tang, K. H. D.
(2025). Counteracting the Harms of Microplastics on Humans: An Overview from the Perspective of Exposure. Microplastics, 4(3), 47.
https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics4030047
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