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Review

Counteracting the Harms of Microplastics on Humans: An Overview from the Perspective of Exposure

by
Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
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 / Revised: 2 May 2025 / Accepted: 30 May 2025 / 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.
Keywords: indoor air; ingestion; inhalation; plastic packaging; seafood; ventilation indoor air; ingestion; inhalation; plastic packaging; seafood; ventilation

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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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