We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Presence of microplastics in human’s respiratory system: bronchoalveolar and bronchial lavage fluid
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed bronchial and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients undergoing bronchoscopy and confirmed the presence of microplastics in the human respiratory system. They characterized the types, sizes, and quantities of microplastic particles found at different levels of the airways. The study provides direct evidence that microplastics deposit within human lungs and suggests that respiratory exposure is a meaningful route of human microplastic intake.
Although microplastics (MPs) have been widely detected in the atmosphere, their presence and deposition patterns within the human respiratory system remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of MPs in bronchial lavage fluid (BLF) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy and to examine the relation between the amount of MPs and patient's demographic characters. Results of this study revealed that MPs concentrations in BLF and BALF were 1.21 MPs/ml and 1.38 MPs/ml, respectively. Fiber constituting was the predominant morphology in the samples (BLF = 76%, BALF = 72%) and the longest fiber dimension was observed in BLF (2425 μm). Individuals employed in industrial and agriculture exhibited significantly higher MPs concentrations. Based on the µ-Raman results, seven distinct polymer types were identified, as polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), and polyamide (PA) were the most prevalent. Furthermore, SEM-EDS analysis detected the presence of some heavy metals associated with MPs, including Fe, Zn, and Cr. These results provide evidence for the presence of MPs within the human airway, although further research is warranted to elucidate the entry pathways, potential health impacts, and associated respiratory diseases.
More Papers Like This
Detection of Microplastics in Human Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid: Preliminary Evidence of Respiratory Exposure to Environmental Contaminants
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from eight adult patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy and detected microplastics in the samples using microscopy, providing preliminary direct evidence that airborne microplastics deposit in the human respiratory tract.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage as a Diagnostic Window into Human Exposure to Microplastics and Associated Lung Changes
AI summary Read the abstract
Bronchoalveolar lavage analysis revealed microplastics in the lower respiratory tract of human patients and showed associated inflammatory changes, providing direct evidence of pulmonary microplastic exposure and supporting the need for occupational and environmental health monitoring.
Isolation and characterization of microplastics from the human respiratory system: Sputum, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid, and pleural fluid simultaneously
AI summary Read the abstract
In the first study of its kind in Iran, researchers found microplastics in every sample collected from the human respiratory system, including sputum, lung fluid, and the fluid surrounding the lungs. Polyester fibers were the most common type detected, and people with occupational exposure or smoking habits had higher amounts, confirming that we regularly breathe in microplastics that reach deep into our lungs.
Microplastics in Human Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a method to detect microplastics in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, a less invasive sampling technique than surgical lung biopsy, to assess human respiratory exposure. Using fluorescence microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, they identified and characterized microplastic particles in lung wash samples from patients undergoing bronchoscopy. The study suggests that lavage fluid analysis could become a practical tool for monitoring microplastic exposure in human lungs.
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.