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Size distribution of nanoplastics and tyre wear particles in human tonsils
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Researchers analyzed tonsil tissue from 15 individuals and detected a range of micro- and nanoplastics, including polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride, along with tire wear particles. Nanoplastic concentrations in the 20-200 nanometer size range averaged 350 nanograms per milligram of dry tissue weight. This is the first study to document the accumulation of nanoplastics and nanosized tire wear particles in an immunologically active human organ.
Abstract This study investigates the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in human tonsil tissue. The tonsils are uniquely positioned in the oropharynx, a gateway to both the immune, respiratory, and digestive systems, thus acting as the first line of defence towards inhaled and ingested particles. We analysed tonsil samples from 15 individuals using Thermal Desorption - Proton Transfer Reaction - Mass Spectrometry, detecting a range of micro- and nanoplastics types, including polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), along with notable findings of tyre wear particles. We detected large differences in polymer types and size classes for each sample with concentrations spanning over four orders of magnitude, bringing nanoplastic concentration for the size class 20-200 nm with an average of 350 ng/mg dry weight. This study is the first to document the accumulation of nanoplastics and nanosized tyre wear in an immunologically active human organ.
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Supplementary data to "Size distribution of nanoplastics and tyre wear particles in human tonsils"
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Scientists measured tiny plastic particles — including bits worn off from car tires — in human tonsil tissue, using specialized equipment that can detect nanoplastics far smaller than what most studies have found before. This is one of the first datasets to actually size and quantify these ultra-small plastic particles in human bodies, providing important groundwork for understanding how deeply plastics may be penetrating our tissues. Note that this particular release is a technical data file, so it doesn't yet tell us what health effects these particles might cause — that analysis comes from the related research paper.
Supplementary data to "Size distribution of nanoplastics and tyre wear particles in human tonsils"
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles—including bits worn off from car tires—inside human tonsils, and measured how big these particles typically are. This matters because it adds to growing evidence that plastic pollution isn't just in our environment, it's actually getting into our bodies, including tissues that help fight off germs. Note that this particular dataset is the supporting technical files for the study rather than the full write-up of what the findings mean for our health.
Supplementary data to "Size distribution of nanoplastics and tyre wear particles in human tonsils"
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Scientists measured tiny plastic particles — including bits of nanoplastics and worn-down tire rubber — found in human tonsils, giving us a clearer picture of the size and amount of these particles that can end up in our bodies. This matters because tonsils act as a filter for things we breathe in and swallow, so finding these particles there suggests plastic pollution is making its way deeper into our bodies than previously realized. Note that this specific entry is a data file supplement, meaning it shares the raw measurements behind the study rather than presenting new conclusions itself.
Nano- and microplastics in pediatric tonsil tissue: bioaccumulation, distribution, and immunomodulatory effects in human lymphoid aggregate organoids
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in every single tonsil they tested from 30 kids, showing that plastic pollution is literally building up in children's immune tissue. When researchers exposed lab-grown tonsil tissue to similar plastic mixtures, it triggered a short-term inflammatory response, and the plastic particles were found trapped inside immune cells — suggesting these everyday pollutants may temporarily disrupt how kids' immune systems function, even if the effects fade over time.
The forgotten tonsils—does the immune active organ absorb nanoplastics?
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Researchers investigated whether tonsils, as immune-active lymphoid organs in direct contact with inhaled and ingested matter, may absorb nanoplastics, examining this overlooked exposure pathway and discussing implications for immune system responses to nanoplastic contamination.
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