Abstract:
Microplastic pollution has aroused global concern. Iatrogenic microplastics (IMPs) directly originate from medical activities and can easily infiltrate the human circulatory system, and further studies are needed to investigate their health risks. This article systematically reviews the sources, exposure pathways, and potential health impacts of IMPs. Evidence has shown that these microplastics can enter the human body through direct contact, inhalation, or ingestion, subsequently penetrate both the blood-brain barrier and the placental barrier, and specifically accumulate in tissues and organs such as the circulatory, nervous, respiratory, reproductive and digestive systems. Furthermore, this article discusses the limitations of current studies, in order to provide a reference for future studies on the potential health impacts of IMPs.