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Detection of microplastics in human nasal mucosa
Summary
Microplastic particles were detected for the first time in human nasal mucosa samples, with polymer types and concentrations quantified, providing direct evidence that the upper respiratory tract is a site of microplastic deposition from inhaled air.
Introduction Environmental pollution with microplastics (MP) and the associated exposure of the human organism to these polymers is a global problem that is currently receiving increasing public and scientific attention. MP is absorbed, for instance, via the respiratory tract, can persist in the body and trigger inflammation, for example. To date, there are no studies on the extent to which MP accumulates in the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and which polymers can be detected there. In the present study, we therefore analyzed human nasal mucosa samples for the presence of MP.
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