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Dynamic release of phthalate esters from pristine and aged microplastics in indoor environments and their potential lung health impacts
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Lab experiments tested how common plastics release chemical additives called phthalates into indoor air and into fluids that mimic human lungs. Light, heat and plastic aging increased phthalate release, and aged plastics showed higher levels of reactive molecules linked to cell damage in the simulated lung fluids.
Microplastics (MPs) in indoor environments are a significant source of phthalate ester (PAEs) release, posing potential health risks. This study investigated PAEs release kinetics from polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) in indoor air, and from four common MPs (polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polylactic acid) at multiple aging stages (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days) in simulated lung fluids (ALF and GS) through simulation experiments. Results demonstrated that light, temperature, and aging degree significantly influence PAEs release. Aging altered surface properties (increased specific surface area and hydrophilicity), causing non-monotonic release trends of PAEs. Both light exposure and elevated temperature significantly promoted PAEs release (p < 0.05), with kinetics following a pseudo-second-order model, governed by surface desorption and intraparticle diffusion. PAEs release was significantly higher in ALF than in GS (p < 0.05). Aged MPs exhibited elevated relative concentrations of ·OH and ·O₂⁻ in lung fluids, indicating a potential oxidative burden. This study elucidates the dynamic release behavior of additives during aging of microplastics, and highlights the dynamic aging process of MPs as well as the potential health impacts.
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Impact of artificial sunlight aging on the respiratory effects of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics through degradation-mediated terephthalic acid release in male mice
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Researchers found that polyethylene terephthalate microplastics degraded by sunlight release terephthalic acid, a chemical that caused lung inflammation and increased airway resistance in mice. They developed a model estimating that 10% to 60% of airborne PET could reach this level of degradation in sunny regions during summer. The study highlights that weathered microplastics in the air may pose greater respiratory risks than fresh particles due to the chemicals released as they break down.
Occurrence, Fate, Behavior and Ecotoxicological State of Phthalates in Different Environmental Matrices
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This review examines the widespread presence of phthalates, chemicals commonly added to plastics to increase flexibility, across air, water, soil, and food. Researchers found that phthalates are detected virtually everywhere in the environment and have been linked to reproductive, developmental, and hormonal effects in laboratory studies. The study highlights that indoor air represents a particularly significant source of human exposure since people spend the majority of their time indoors surrounded by plastic-containing products.
Non-Destructive Extraction and Characterization of Human Pulmonary Microplastics and the Associated Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
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Scientists developed a new way to extract tiny plastic particles (microplastics) from human lung tissue and found 16 different plastic types, plus 71 chemical additives linked to hormone disruption. Smokers and people over 60 had notably more plastic buildup in their lungs, and the chemical additives were found at higher concentrations directly on the plastic particles than in surrounding tissue—suggesting these plastics could be a concentrated source of chemical exposure inside our bodies. While researchers haven't yet confirmed what health harm this causes, the findings highlight why understanding what's actually in our lungs matters for future health
Environmentally relevant phthalic acid exposure promotes pulmonary fibrogenesis through IL-1α/NF-κB pathway: Implications for microplastic-associated respiratory health risks
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A chemical released when plastics break down, called phthalic acid, made lung cells show signs of scarring and aging in lab tests, and worsened lung scarring in mice already prone to the disease. This suggests everyday plastic exposure could contribute to lung damage over time, though more research is needed to confirm this happens in humans.
Plastic breath: Quantification of microplastics and polymer additives in airborne particles
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Researchers measured microplastics and their chemical additives in airborne dust at an electronics recycling plant, identifying ten different plastic types and eight classes of additives including flame retardants and phthalates. The findings confirm that people can inhale microplastics along with potentially harmful chemicals at work, raising concerns about respiratory and overall health risks from airborne plastic pollution.
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