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Microplastics, potential threat to patients with lung diseases

Frontiers in Toxicology 2022 119 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
K S Lu, Danting Zhan, Yingying Fang, Lei Li, Guobing Chen, Shanze Chen, Lingling Wang

Summary

This review examines the potential threat that airborne microplastics pose to people with existing lung conditions, noting that these particles have been found in human lung tissue and sputum. Researchers explored possible mechanisms by which inhaled microplastics could worsen lung diseases, including triggering inflammation and oxidative stress. The study highlights significant knowledge gaps and calls for more research into how microplastic inhalation affects respiratory health.

Body Systems
Models

Air pollution is one of the major risk factors for lung disease. Microplastics are a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, both indoors and in outdoor air. Microplastics have also been found in human lung tissue and sputum. However, there is a paucity of information on the effects and mechanisms of microplastics on lung disease. In this mini-review, we reviewed the possible mechanisms by which air microplastics' exposure affects lung disease and, at the same time, pointed out the limitations of current studies.

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