Published in the PLOS One journal, this study found that particles between 1 and 10 micrometers in size – about one-seventh the thickness of a human hair – can lodge deep in the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and spread throughout the body. These findings highlight inhalation as a major and underestimated route of microplastics exposure, adding to concerns about their links to chronic inflammation, lung cancer, and other health conditions.
The researchers measured air in homes, apartments, and car cabins, discovering far higher concentrations indoors than outdoors. Since people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, this poses a significant health risk. Everyday plastic products such as clothing, carpets, and kitchenware shed particles that easily resuspend in the air with even slight movement. Cars were found to have four times higher concentrations than apartments, with plastics from dashboards, handles, and upholstery identified as major sources.
Experts say that while it is impossible to completely avoid airborne microplastics, exposure can be reduced. Using High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air filters, vacuuming and dusting regularly, and choosing wood, metal, or natural fiber products instead of plastic can help limit inhalation. Cars remain more difficult to manage, as their confined space and plastic-heavy interiors generate higher particle levels. While opening car windows can improve ventilation, it may also allow in microplastic pollution from tires.
To read how microplastics in our food are a growing health concern, see this article on our website.
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News
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.
[Source: theguardian.com]
[Image source: Adobe Stock]
Comment
Published in the PLOS One journal, this study found that particles between 1 and 10 micrometers in size – about one-seventh the thickness of a human hair – can lodge deep in the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and spread throughout the body. These findings highlight inhalation as a major and underestimated route of microplastics exposure, adding to concerns about their links to chronic inflammation, lung cancer, and other health conditions.
The researchers measured air in homes, apartments, and car cabins, discovering far higher concentrations indoors than outdoors. Since people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, this poses a significant health risk. Everyday plastic products such as clothing, carpets, and kitchenware shed particles that easily resuspend in the air with even slight movement. Cars were found to have four times higher concentrations than apartments, with plastics from dashboards, handles, and upholstery identified as major sources.
Experts say that while it is impossible to completely avoid airborne microplastics, exposure can be reduced. Using High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air filters, vacuuming and dusting regularly, and choosing wood, metal, or natural fiber products instead of plastic can help limit inhalation. Cars remain more difficult to manage, as their confined space and plastic-heavy interiors generate higher particle levels. While opening car windows can improve ventilation, it may also allow in microplastic pollution from tires.
To read how microplastics in our food are a growing health concern, see this article on our website.
Dr. Rath Health Foundation
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