Microplastics are everywhere—in our food, water, and bodies—and they're coming from cosmetics, clothing, tires, and plastic breakdown. The research shows these tiny particles cause harm at multiple biological levels, and environmental contamination could double by 2040 if nothing changes.

This is a review study that synthesized 20 years of microplastic research across multiple scientific disciplines to understand what we've learned, refine how we define microplastics, and identify what we still need to know.

Funding not disclosed in abstract