2025 AIChE Annual Meeting

(340a) How Do Microplastics Harm Human Health

Authors

Teresa Murray - Presenter, Louisiana Tech University
Jeffrey Seay, University of Kentucky
Alberto Losada, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Sergio Cortes, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Yuet-Kin Leung, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Shuk-Mei Ho, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Wesley C Zech, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Robert Peters, UNIV OF ALABAMA BIRMINGHAM
Continuing reports of microplastics (MPs) have revealed that they are everywhere, including inside human organs. While the adverse effects of MPs on the ecosystem have been studied for several years, much less is known about the adverse effects on human organs. We first provide an overview of the sources and estimated burden of MP in the human body. We then focus on the effects of MPs on major organs, such as the brain and liver, and on functions such as the reproductive system reported in the technical and scientific literature.