Khaberni - Recent scientific studies have shown that the leakage of microscopic plastic particles, widespread in various areas of life, may involve multiple health risks, including a decline in women's fertility and potential effects on kidneys, liver, brain, and even the placenta in fetuses.
Plastic consists of polymers, which are long chains of small chemical units known as monomers. The most famous of these polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, in addition to other materials such as plasticizers, heat and light stabilizers, and phthalates.
Global plastic production rose from 234 million tons in 2000 to 435 million tons in 2020, with projections of an increase of nearly 70% by 2040.
Plastic is widely used in producing food packaging, water bottles, milk containers, detergents, and packaging materials.
Toxic Substances in Cooking Utensils
According to a study published in the JAMA Network, plastics are synthetic compounds that include a wide spectrum of chemical substances, with more than 13,000 compounds connected to them, including about 4200 substances of concern, in addition to 10 groups classified as highly toxic.
Some of these substances, such as PFAS compounds found in non-stick cookware and others, can leak into the environment.
As plastic decomposes into microscopic particles, these particles can enter the human body through inhalation or ingestion, where they may deposit in the lungs or travel through the bloodstream to various tissues and organs.
They can also be encountered through drinking fluids from plastic containers, such as bottled water and various beverages, or through using cosmetics and personal care products.
Pregnancy Delay
In a recent study published in January 2026 in the Elsevier journal Hazardous Materials, the relationship between the molecular compositions of microscopic plastic particles and the likelihood of decreased ovarian reserve in women was examined, revealing a close link between exposure to these particles and a decline in ovarian functions.
The study indicated that continuous exposure to microscopic plastic particles could increase the risk of decreased ovarian reserve, confirming that these findings are an important reference for continuing research on the impact of these particles on women's reproductive health in the future.
Plastic and Dementia
In a study published in February 2025 in the Nature Medicine journal, the possibility of bioaccumulation of microscopic plastic particles in the brain tissues, liver, and kidneys of deceased individuals was researched.
The results showed that the concentrations of magnetic nanoplastic particles in the liver and kidneys were similar among samples, while brain samples—particularly the frontal cortex—recorded significantly higher levels compared to other organs.
The study concluded with a general trend towards increased accumulation of these particles in the brain and liver, noting that most of them consist of plastic fragments and polyethylene.
The surprising results showed researchers the high concentrations of these particles in the brains of the deceased healthy individuals, ranging from 7 to 30 times higher compared to the liver and kidneys, in addition to recording higher levels among dementia patients.
The study recommended continuation of research to understand the role of these particles in neurological disorders and potential health effects on the human brain.
Negative Effects on Lungs and Intestines
With increasing evidence of the presence of microscopic and nanoplastic particles inside the human body, concerns about their possible health effects are escalating. Clinical trial models published in September 2025 in Nature Medicine showed that these particles are capable of penetrating cellular barriers in the lungs and intestines, then moving into the bloodstream and reaching various tissues and organs, such as the reproductive system and the placenta inside the uterus, as well as the brain.
The initial results indicated a potential association of these particles with negative health effects, including changes in the immune system, in addition to potential impacts on cardiovascular and reproductive health.
The study recommended the development of precise methods to assess exposure levels to plastic particles, contributing to enhancing research related to their health effects, which still need further clarification.
Global Impact
Recent estimates indicate that about 8 to 12 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the oceans annually, leading to concentrations of nanoparticles ranging from 0.1 to 1000 particles per liter in surface waters.
This pollution contributes to the disruption of marine food chains, with bioaccumulation of particles and added materials across different food levels, according to an extensive research review published by The Lancet in December 2025.
Humans are exposed to these particles through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, and with their presence in drinking water, table salt, some body fluids, and tissues, the review suggests that these particles may carry potentially toxic effects, including oxidative stress, inflammations, endocrine disorders, and dysfunction in mitochondrial functions responsible for energy production inside cells.
