Background and Objective: Microplastic and nanoplastic particles, because of their small size, readily penetrate water, soil, and air and, through the adsorption of hazardous pollutants, represent a serious threat to ecosystems and human health. The aim of the present study is to review and categorize the toxic effects of these particles on the environment and humans.
Methods: In the present narrative review study, articles published between 2000 and 2025 addressing the toxicity effects of micro-nanoplastic particles on the body's cells were examined. These articles were retrieved through searches using English keywords, including "Microplastics," "Nanoplastics," "Health effect," "Human," "Cell," "Tissues," and "Environment," in the PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, as well as Persian keywords in the SID, Magiran, and Irandoc databases.
Findings: A total of 112 articles were selected from scientific databases in accordance with the research topic, and 84 articles were excluded from the study owing to a lack of relevance among the main keywords. According to the available data, the articles were categorized based on the effects of micro-nanoplastics on the liver, kidney, placenta, lung, neural cells, digestive system, blood, and immune system.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the toxicity of micro-nanoplastics depends on several factors, including particle size, the level and duration of exposure, and the type of target cell. Owing to their ability to penetrate various tissues and organs, particularly nanoplastics, which can reach the brain, these particles pose considerable risks to human health and the balance of ecosystems. Consequently, a more precise understanding of the mechanisms of toxicity and a reduction in exposure to these particles are essential for protecting human health and the environment.
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