In summary, this review used state of the art and transparent methodology to evaluate the evidence linking microplastics exposure to human health effects. After reviewing over 2,800 studies retrieved
from the database searches, we ultimately identified 28 rodent studies and 3 human studies for inclusion in our review. I was happy to join co-authors from UCSF’s Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment on a recently published review that evaluated the evidence linking exposure to microplastics to human health harms. We conducted a rapid systematic review of any studies that investigated health effects related to microplastics exposure. More research should be funded to explore these areas. “Effects of Microplastic Exposure on Human Digestive, Reproductive, and Respiratory Health: A Rapid Systematic Review.”
Impact Statement: My opinion on this is another attack on plastics….it appears to me that the authors “cherry-picked” the studies they used to meet their agenda (31 our of 2800). I would have to think that drawing conclusions like those that were mentioned in this study were very broad-based. For instance, will give them the benefit of the doubt that respiratory issues would be possible, but no more so than that of all the dust we are exposed to in this world. Lungs are made to intake dusts and particles….so any solid matter would be a concern, not just microplastics. So, I would be aware of this study, but look at it skeptically as fitting the agenda of the NRDC.