Microplastiche: l´impatto sulla salute

Micro- and nanoplastics are emerging contaminants widely distributed across environmental compartments and increasingly detected in human tissues. Adopting a One Health perspective, this presentation examines the sources of microplastics, routes of human exposure, and current evidence regarding their potential health impacts. Humans are exposed through air, food, water, and medical products, including intravenous solutions stored in plastic containers. Microplastics and nanoplastics have been identified in multiple organs, including blood, placenta, carotid plaques, liver, kidney, and brain, with many particles measuring below 1 μm and thus capable of systemic distribution. Recent clinical evidence has detected nanosized plastics within carotid atherosclerotic plaques, where their presence was associated with increased inflammatory markers and a higher incidence of cardiovascular events over follow-up. Postmortem studies have reported substantial concentrations of plastics in brain tissue, with higher levels observed in samples from patients with dementia. Experimental data suggest that physicochemical properties such as particle size and surface charge influence cellular uptake and toxicity. Nanoplastics may also promote protein misfolding and amyloid aggregation through a proposed “nano-plastic-assisted” nucleation mechanism. Emerging research further raises concerns about reproductive health, with microplastics detected in follicular fluid and experimental evidence indicating potential fertility effects. Despite accumulating associations, current data do not establish direct causality between microplastic exposure and adverse human health outcomes. Methodological limitations—including potential contamination, heterogeneity of analytical approaches, and lack of standardized protocols—highlight the need for rigorous, harmonized research frameworks and appropriate regulatory guidance. Continued multidisciplinary investigation is essential to clarify risks and support evidence-based public health strategies.