Microplastics in lungs

Researchers discovered microplastics in all the regions of the lung. They identified 39 microplastics in 11 of the 13 lung tissue samples, with an average of 3 microplastics per sample. There were 12 types of microplastic found in samples.

1. What happens if you inhale microplastics?
2. How do microplastics get in your lungs?
3. Are there microplastics in our lungs?
4. What causes plastic in lungs?

What happens if you inhale microplastics?

Once inhaled, these tiny particles go into the deep lungs where they may induce lesions in the respiratory systems. The smallest particles can also pass into the bloodstream and cause cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, induce cancer and affect the human immune and nervous system.

How do microplastics get in your lungs?

The results suggest people might be exposed to microplastics in the air by inhaling them, according to the team from the University of Hull and Hull York Medical School, who said their findings could support further research into the effects of airborne microplastics on lung health.

Are there microplastics in our lungs?

Microplastics were identified in all regions of the human lungs using μFTIR analysis. Polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate fibres were the most abundant. The results support inhalation as a route of MP exposure.

What causes plastic in lungs?

Penn Medicine Interventional Radiologists determined the cause of plastic bronchitis is the abnormal flow of lymph — colorless fluid that carries white blood cells and proteins through the lymphatic system — from the main lymphatic duct in the chest (called the thoracic duct) into the structures in the lungs.