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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.
Plastic particles are ubiquitous in various environmental compartments, the atmosphere being the least explored compartment in terms of plastic pollution. The way that atmospheric plastics affect the biological systems has not yet been explored when compared to aquatic ecosystems. There are many speculated human health impacts, one definite and direct impact of atmospheric plastics would be towards the respiratory system as these are previously found extensively in human lungs. We identify the ability of suspended atmospheric plastics to act as a potential fomite for microbes, both pathogenic and non-pathogenic. We discuss the relevance of such fomites in the wake of the current global pandemic involving a novel respiratory virus, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Virus laden bioaerosols can adhere to the plastic particles and can be directly transported to the airway and lungs, besides enabling its long-distance travel. Currently, it is not known whether these pathways are more efficient than the bioaerosols itself in driving the spread of viral infections. Once sufficient data regarding the global spatial dynamics of the current virus transmission is available, it will be interesting to examine the dynamics of the disease in heavily urbanized regions where there is a substantial amount of prevailing atmospheric plastic particles. Thus, we hope that this communication will serve as a call for astute investigations in this less explored realm concerning human health impacts of suspended atmospherics plastics, and its role in the transmission and transport of novel respiratory viruses.
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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.
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This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics may act as vehicles that amplify the spread and infectivity of pathogenic viruses in humans and animals, explaining that the plastisphere (the microbial community living on plastic surfaces) can preserve viruses and that plastics weaken the body's natural barrier tissues. The authors warn that plastic particles carrying viruses could increase infection risk and potentially even help viruses develop new variants, calling for urgent interdisciplinary research.
Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and Airborne Microplastics
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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.