Source Data Underlying Figures S2, S3, and 4 for Atmospheric Microplastics on Mount Everest

Summary

Scientists studying Mount Everest found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) falling from the air even in one of the most remote places on Earth, far from cities or factories. By tracking wind patterns, they showed these plastics likely traveled long distances from populated areas, meaning there's essentially nowhere on the planet, including the air we breathe, that's untouched by plastic pollution. This matters because it adds to growing evidence that microplastics are everywhere in our environment, raising questions about how much we're inhaling and what that could mean for our lungs and overall health over time.