Detection of Exposure to Microplastics in Humans: A Systematic Review

Sarinah  Basri K; Anwar  Daud; Ratna Dwi Puji  Astuti; Basri  K

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2021.6494

Authors

Sarinah Basri K Department of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Wiralodra, Indramayu, Indonesia; Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7942-0037
Anwar Daud Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
Ratna Dwi Puji Astuti Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9693-557X
Basri K Department of Technology and Vocational Education, FKIP Universitas Nusa Cendana, Kupang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2021.6494

Keywords:

Exposure, Human, Microplastic

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Microplastics are able to enter the human body through food chains, personal care products, contact (skin) from the soil, water or inhalation of microplastics in the air.

AIM: This article aims to identify the presence of microplastics that are exposed to humans.

METHODS: Systematic review using four bibliographic databases (Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library, PubMed, and Science Direct). Literature search from 2016 to 2021, in the search found as many as 10983 papers extracted using PRISMA guidelines, a total of five papers were selected for review.

RESULTS: In this review article, the presence of oral, dermal, and inhalation exposed microplastics is found in feces, colon, placenta, scalp hair, hand skin, facial skin, and saliva. Several methods are used to identify microplastics according to polymer types, shape, and sizes microplastics in humans. The polymer type often found in the article is polypropylene. In addition, fibers, fragments and films are detectable shape of microplastic, while the size of microplastics >5 mm.

CONCLUSION: This literature study provides evidence that microplastics of various types of polymers, shapes and sizes are ubiquitous in humans. Hence, the possibility of health risks resulting from microplastic exposure in the human body should not be ignored.

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