Our study found the microplastic particles exhaled by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are similar in chemical composition to those identified in human lungs, highlighting shared health risks.
In humans, inhaled microplastics can cause lung inflammation, which can lead to problems including tissue damage, excess mucus, pneumonia, bronchitis, scarring, and possibly cancer, raising concerns for dolphins.
Bottlenose dolphins help scientists understand the impacts of pollutants on marine ecosystems, and research indicates that they may be at risk for similar health issues faced by humans.
The ocean releases microplastics into the air through surface froth and wave action, with estimates suggesting that 100,000 metric tons are released into the atmosphere each year.
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