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Tread lightly: immuno-toxicological health effects of traffic-related polymers in healthy adults.
Summary
Researchers studied health effects in commuters exposed to traffic-related micro- and nanoplastics, primarily from tire wear, comparing outcomes between high-exposure and low-exposure groups. The study found evidence of immunotoxicological effects linked to airborne polymer particle exposure from road traffic.
One of the predominant sources releasing micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) into the atmosphere is motorized road traffic tyre wear. It is unclear what exposure levels of these MNPs and their potential short-term health effects are. The objective was to study health effects associated with exposure to traffic-related MNPs in healthy adults. In 2022-2023 a panel of 23 volunteers (23 – 38 yrs) visited three traffic-locations for 4 hrs: a stop-and-go busy road, a highway and an urban background location with varying driving styles. Before and directly after each visit, and the following morning, spirometry tests were performed, respiratory symptoms were noted and blood was collected to assess subtypes of white blood cell (WBC) counts, activation markers and cytokine levels. Quartz filters collected with a high-volume sampler, and blood samples, were analyzed using double-shot pyrolysis gas-chromatography/ mass-spectrometry for the mass of synthetic- an natural rubber markers. Exposure levels of other traffic-related major air pollutants were quantified, including black carbon, ultrafine particles, iron and copper. Associations between air pollutants and pairwise differences in endpoints were assessed using mixed model analysis, adjusting for multiple confounders. Rubber polymer levels were respectively 3.5-4.5x higher at the stop-and-go location compared to the park and 1.1-1.5x higher than the highway location. Polymers had a moderate to low correlation with other pollutants, except black carbon. Preliminary results indicate no consistent associations between polymers and other air pollutants and spirometry or symptoms. Increased associations were observed between pyrolysates and relative counts of WBCs (5.8-20No consistent associations were observed between traffic-related MNPs and respiratory health. Increased associations between MNP concentrations and subtypes of WBCs, might indicate an increase in inflammatory responses in healthy adults. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/558831/document