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Airborne Microplastics from Waste as a Transmission Vector for COVID-19
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Researchers analyzed how airborne microplastics — tiny plastic particles that float in the air — could potentially carry SARS-CoV-2 virus particles and serve as an additional transmission route for COVID-19. The paper argues that contaminated plastic waste and airborne microplastics warrant precautionary management as part of pandemic control strategies.
Occurrences of microplastics (plastic particle < 5 mm) have been observed in various environmental media (e.g., soil, water and air) worldwide, posing a threat to ecological, human, and animal health. Microplastics could also serve as vectors which transport toxic hydrophobic organic compounds around the globe and negatively affect the environmental quality. This paper analyzes the possible link between airborne microplastics from waste that are contaminated with SARS-CoV-2, and the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, measures for controlling the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in airborne microplastics were discussed. Our study indicates that precautionary action regarding the management of contaminated plastic waste should be considered in order to combat the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through airborne microplastic.
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Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and Airborne Microplastics
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Researchers examined the potential relationship between airborne microplastics and SARS-CoV-2 transmission, noting that the virus can survive on plastic surfaces for up to five days and in aerosol for up to three hours, raising questions about whether microplastic particles could serve as vectors for viral spread.
Microplastics and Macroplastic Debris as Potential Physical Vectors of SARS-CoV-2: A Hypothetical Overview with Implications for Public Health
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This hypothesis paper proposes that macro- and microplastic debris could act as physical vectors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, reviewing evidence on viral persistence on plastic surfaces and the surge in pandemic-related plastic waste. The authors argue that plastic pollution represents an underexamined dimension of COVID-19 transmission risk, particularly in coastal and aquatic environments.
Airborne micro- and nanoplastics: hidden vectors for human infection?
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This commentary synthesizes evidence on whether airborne micro- and nanoplastics could serve as carriers for respiratory viruses. Researchers noted that the high abundance of plastic particles in air, combined with their surface properties that may enhance viral persistence, makes this a plausible transmission pathway. However, the authors emphasize that significant uncertainties remain and call for targeted research to determine whether plastic particles meaningfully contribute to airborne infection.
Do atmospheric plastics act as fomites for novel viruses?
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This perspective paper asks whether atmospheric plastic particles could act as physical carriers for viruses, potentially aiding viral transmission through the air. The authors argue this is a plausible but unexplored mechanism given that microplastics are already found in human lungs and can harbor biofilms.
Microplastics as an Emerging Source of Particulate Air Pollution
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This review examines the growing body of research on airborne microplastics as a source of particulate air pollution, covering their sources, transport mechanisms, and presence in both indoor and outdoor environments. Researchers highlight that airborne microplastics can travel long distances and have been found in remote locations far from population centers. The study underscores significant gaps in our understanding of how inhaling these tiny plastic particles may affect human health.
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.