We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Establishing a Microfiber Recovery Rate in Human Lung Tissue
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists tested how well they can find tiny plastic fibers in human lung tissue, discovering they only recover about half of some types of fibers during lab testing. This means previous studies may have missed many plastic fibers in our lungs, so we might actually have more of these potentially harmful particles in our bodies than we thought. Getting better at detecting these fibers is important for understanding whether they pose real health risks to people.
Microplastics (<5 mm) are an increasing concern for environmental and human health, continuously detected in ecosystems worldwide and a variety of human tissues. While health effects remain unclear, experimental studies on microplastic particles have suggested adverse outcomes. Microplastic fibers, which shed from everyday items, are more toxic than particles and twice as prevalent, yet remain understudied. Microplastic studies vary widely and use various extraction techniques, with few validating recovery accuracy. These limited recovery studies primarily examine particles, raising concerns about the true abundance of microfibers. This study establishes baseline recovery rates of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) microfibers of varying lengths from formalin-fixed human cadaveric lung tissue. Following enzymatic and oxidative digestion, PET microfibers showed a recovery rate of 47%, while 87% of PP microfibers was recovered. Chemical alterations were assessed using laser direct infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy; optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluated physical changes post-digestion. These findings provide insights into microfiber recovery, highlight potential over- and underestimations, and characterize the chemical and physical behavior of fibers within human tissue studies. Establishing accurate recovery methods is essential for advancing microfiber toxicology research and assessing potential health risks.
More Papers Like This
Presence of airborne microplastics in human lung tissue
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined human lung tissue from autopsies and found microplastic particles and fibers in 13 out of 20 samples. The most common plastics were polyethylene and polypropylene, with particles smaller than 5.5 micrometers. This study provides direct evidence that inhaled microplastics accumulate in human lungs, raising concerns about potential long-term effects on respiratory health.
Detection of microplastics in human lung tissue using μFTIR spectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed lung tissue from 13 people and found microplastics in 11 of the samples, identifying 12 different plastic types including polypropylene and polyester. The particles were found in all regions of the lungs, with significantly higher concentrations in the lower lung. This is one of the first studies to directly confirm that microplastics from everyday environments can be inhaled and accumulate deep in human lung tissue.
D18-01 Small Microplastics in Human Lung Tissue: Detection, Quantification and Characterization
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists examined lung tissue from 56 people and found tiny plastic fragments (from sources like nylon, tire rubber, and PVC) in every sample, with amounts varying widely from person to person. The good news: plastic levels weren't clearly linked to lung diseases like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, but researchers still don't know whether these plastic particles are causing harm inside the lungs — that research is still underway. This matters because it confirms we're breathing in plastic pollution regularly, even though the health consequences are still being figured out.
First evidence of microplastics isolated in European citizens’ lower airway
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers provided the first evidence of microplastics in the lower airways of living European adults, using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 44 patients. Nearly all detected particles were microfibers averaging about 1.7 millimeters in length, with an average concentration of roughly 9 items per 100 milliliters of fluid. The findings confirm that microplastics reach deep into the human respiratory system, though the health implications require further investigation.
Detection and Analysis of Microplastics in Human Sputum
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed sputum (mucus from the lungs) from 22 patients with respiratory diseases and found microplastics in every single sample, identifying 21 different plastic types. Polyurethane was the most common type detected, and most particles were smaller than 500 micrometers. This study provides direct evidence that humans are inhaling microplastics, with factors like smoking and medical procedures increasing the amount found in the respiratory tract.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.