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December 19, 2024 — San Francisco, CA – Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), have raised new alarms about the health risks posed by microplastics in the air, suggesting they may be contributing to a rise in lung and colon cancers. A recent systematic review of over 3,000 studies has implicated these tiny plastic particles in a range of serious health issues, including infertility, respiratory illnesses, and cancer.
The review, published in Environmental Science & Technology, outlines the growing concerns about the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in the environment, primarily released from sources like tire wear and the degradation of plastic waste. These particles, smaller than a grain of rice, are commonly found in the air, and researchers believe they pose significant threats to human health.
“We know that particulate matter air pollution is harmful, and these microplastics fit into that category,” said Dr. Tracey J. Woodruff, the senior author of the study and a professor at UCSF’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences. “The growing evidence suggests that microplastics in the air may be playing a role in lung cancer and colon cancer, as well as contributing to chronic pulmonary inflammation, which increases the risk of respiratory diseases.”
The microplastics reviewed are shed into the atmosphere primarily through tire degradation caused by the friction of driving, as well as from decaying plastic waste in the environment. With global plastic production reaching nearly 460 million metric tons annually and projected to increase to 1.1 billion metric tons by 2050, the researchers emphasize the widespread and growing exposure to these particles.
According to the study, microplastics have been linked to male and female infertility, poor lung function, and increased chronic inflammation in the lungs. The evidence was drawn mostly from animal studies, although the researchers noted that the results are likely applicable to humans due to similar exposure patterns.
The review also builds upon a previous report prepared by UCSF researchers in collaboration with the California State Policy Evidence Consortium (CalSPEC), which provides evidence to lawmakers for informed decision-making. As the body of evidence on the harmful effects of microplastics continues to grow, the study’s authors are urging policymakers to take action.
“We hope that regulatory agencies and policymakers will consider this growing body of evidence and take immediate steps to reduce exposure to microplastics, especially in light of their potential to cause serious diseases like colon and lung cancer,” said Dr. Nicholas Chartres, the study’s first author. Chartres, who led the science and policy team at UCSF and is now at the University of Sydney, stresses the need for urgent regulatory action to address this mounting environmental and public health crisis.
The study highlights the importance of further research and the implementation of policies aimed at reducing microplastic pollution, as well as greater awareness of their potential health consequences.
For more information, the full study can be accessed in Environmental Science & Technology (2024).
Source: Environmental Science & Technology (2024). doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c09524
