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Microplastic and plastic pollution: impact on respiratory disease and health
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This review pulls together evidence from lab studies, animal experiments, and workplace exposure research showing that inhaled micro- and nanoplastics can affect lung tissue and may contribute to respiratory diseases. However, the authors stress that it remains unclear how much damage occurs at the levels of plastic particles people actually breathe in daily life, highlighting the need for better measurements of real-world exposure.
Throughout their lifecycle, from production to use and upon disposal, plastics release chemicals and particles known as micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) that can accumulate in the environment. MNPs have been detected in different locations of the human body, including in our lungs. This is likely a consequence of MNP exposure through the air we breathe. Yet, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the impact that MNP exposure may have on respiratory disease and health. In this review, we have collated the current body of evidence on the implications of MNP inhalation on human lung health from in vitro , in vivo and occupational exposure studies. We focused on interactions between MNP pollution and different specific lung-resident cells and respiratory diseases. We conclude that it is evident that MNPs possess the capacity to affect lung tissue in disease and health. Yet, it remains unclear to which extent this occurs upon exposure to ambient levels of MNPs, emphasising the need for a more comprehensive evaluation of environmental MNP exposure levels in everyday life.
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Deleterious effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on rodent lungs: a systematic review
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This systematic review summarizes research on how inhaled micro- and nanoplastics affect the lungs in animal studies. The findings show these particles can cause lung inflammation, tissue damage, and immune responses, suggesting that breathing in airborne microplastics may pose real risks to respiratory health.
Microplastics in the Lungs: Exposure Pathways, Pulmonary Deposition, Toxicological Effects, and Carcinogenic Potential
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles found in human lungs after breathing them in. Lab studies on plastic particles showed inflammation, cell damage, and genetic damage, while human data remain limited but confirm microplastics are present in lungs, linked to inflammatory and fibrotic lung conditions.
Micro- and Nanoplastic-Induced Respiratory Disease and Dysfunction: A Scoping Review
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A systematic scoping review of 68 studies found that inhaled micro- and nanoplastics are detected in human lung tissue and associated with pulmonary inflammation, fibrosis, and impaired lung function, though most evidence comes from occupational settings and in vitro experiments.
Airborne micro- and nanoplastics: emerging causes of respiratory diseases
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This review examines growing evidence that tiny airborne plastic particles can enter the lungs and trigger or worsen respiratory diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung inflammation. The smallest nanoplastics are especially concerning because they can penetrate deep into lung tissue and even enter the bloodstream, yet research on airborne plastic health effects significantly lags behind studies on waterborne exposure.
Airborne microplastics: A narrative review of potential effects on the human respiratory system
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This review consolidates research on airborne microplastics and their potential effects on the human respiratory system. Studies show that inhaled microplastics can deposit in the lungs, trigger inflammation, cause oxidative stress, and lead to cell damage and death. While human exposure evidence is still limited, animal and cell studies suggest that long-term inhalation of airborne microplastics could pose significant risks to lung health.
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