Air in homes and cars contains microplastics small enough to burrow deep into lungs, with inhalation estimates up to 68,000 particles per person per day. Particles measuring 1–10 micrometers can remain airborne longer and penetrate deeply into the pulmonary system and bloodstream, enabling distribution throughout the body. Microplastics carry thousands of plastic-associated chemicals, including BPA, phthalates, and PFAS, many of which pose serious health risks. Exposure pathways include inhalation as well as food and water. Health effects linked to microplastic exposure include chronic pulmonary inflammation and an increased risk of lung cancer. Microplastics can cross placental and brain barriers.
Every breath people take in their homes or car probably contains significant amounts of microplastics small enough to burrow deep into lungs, new peer-reviewed research finds, bringing into focus a little understood route of exposure and health threat. The study, published in the journal Plos One, estimates humans can inhale as much as 68,000 tiny plastic particles daily. Previous studies have identified larger pieces of airborne microplastics,
The smaller bits measure between 1 and 10 micrometers, or about one-seventh the thickness of a human hair, and present more of a health threat because they can more easily be distributed throughout the body. The findings suggest that the health impacts of microplastic inhalation may be more substantial than we realize, the authors wrote. Are microplastics really in everything even my brain?
Microplastics are tiny bits of plastic either intentionally added to consumer goods, or which are products of larger plastics breaking down. The particles contain any number of 16,000 plastic chemicals, of which many, such as BPA, phthalates and Pfas, present serious health risks. The substance has been found throughout the human body, and can cross the placental and brain barriers.
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