Microplastics are in the air we breathe and in Earth’s atmosphere, and they affect the climate

Summary

Microplastics have been detected throughout Earth's atmosphere, where they scatter solar radiation, influence cloud formation, and may alter atmospheric chemistry — extending plastic pollution's impact beyond ecosystems into the climate system itself. This atmospheric presence also means humans inhale microplastic particles daily, creating a poorly understood inhalation exposure route that adds to ingestion through food and water.