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In recent years, scientists have uncovered alarming evidence about the impact of microplastics on human health, particularly respiratory health. Once a virtually unexplored area of research, the field is now growing rapidly, shedding light on how these tiny plastic particles infiltrate our lungs and potentially harm our respiratory systems.
Breathing Plastic: A Growing Concern
Microplastics, formed as larger plastic items degrade under environmental forces like UV radiation and friction, are small enough to be inhaled. According to Laura Sadofsky, PhD, a senior lecturer in Respiratory Medicine at the University of Hull in England, research on airborne microplastics was scarce six years ago. Now, however, studies have revealed that we may breathe as much microplastic as we consume through food and water.
“Air is at least an equal source of microplastics into the human body as water,” noted Chris Carlsten, MD, director of the Centre for Lung Health at the University of British Columbia, during the 2024 European Respiratory Society Congress in Vienna.
What Happens When We Inhale Microplastics?
While high levels of microplastic exposure have long been linked to occupational diseases—such as lung issues in workers exposed to synthetic fibers—scientists are now examining the effects of everyday exposure. Recent studies have shown that microplastics can reach the deepest parts of the lungs.
When inhaled, these particles interact with the bronchial epithelium, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress. Over time, chronic exposure may contribute to the development of pulmonary diseases and disrupt normal cell functions. Some studies have even linked microplastics to DNA damage and genetic mutations, raising concerns about increased cancer risks.
Carlos Baeza-Martínez, MD, a pulmonologist in Spain, has observed more lung lesions and harmful bacteria in patients with higher concentrations of microplastics in their airways. “It’s almost sinister to think that we are breathing plastic,” he remarked.
The Complexities of Microplastic Research
Studying microplastics is challenging. Exposure levels vary widely depending on environment, lifestyle, and even age. For example, smokers have been found to have significantly higher concentrations of microplastics in their lungs, with rayon from cigarette filters being a common culprit.
The shape and size of microplastics also play a role in their impact. Fiber-shaped particles, more common indoors and in urban areas, penetrate deeper into the respiratory system and are harder for the body to expel.
Gwenda Vasse, PhD, a researcher at the University of Groningen, highlighted another concern: the chemicals added to plastics, such as bisphenol A, and the toxic substances they can absorb, like heavy metals and antibiotics. These compounds may exacerbate the harmful effects of microplastics on respiratory health.
Tackling the Challenge
With global plastic production expected to rise dramatically, addressing microplastic pollution is an urgent priority. Efforts like the United Nations’ pledge to combat plastic pollution and bans on microbeads in cosmetics are steps in the right direction.
Experts, including Carlsten, advocate for improved air filtration systems in homes and vehicles, as well as better methods to assess individual exposure.
While researchers like Sadofsky and her colleagues continue to uncover the long-term impacts of microplastics, they stress the importance of reducing exposure now. “There’s a lot of work being done, but much more is needed,” she said.
As society grapples with the environmental and health challenges posed by plastic pollution, understanding and mitigating the risks of inhaled microplastics is becoming a critical frontier in public health.
