Codes and data for manuscript 'Uncontrolled waste burning dominates global inhalable microplastic emissions'

Summary

Researchers used a computer model to track how tiny plastic particles small enough to breathe in move through our air worldwide, and found that burning trash in the open—common in many parts of the world without proper waste disposal—is the biggest source of these airborne microplastics, more than other sources like tire wear or ocean spray. This matters because it means the plastic particles you might be breathing in aren't just coming from everyday wear and tear of plastic products, but largely from uncontrolled garbage burning, pointing to better waste management as a key way to reduce this potential health risk.