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What is the impact of microplastic fibers on our lungs
Summary
Indoor dust is filled with tiny plastic fibers from textiles, carpets, and other household sources, and these fibers are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. Plastic fibers have been detected in lung tissue samples from cancer patients, raising questions about whether microfiber inhalation contributes to lung disease.
Indoor dust contains vast amounts of small plastic fibers. These microfibers are small enough to be inhaled and plastic fibers have been detected in all samples of lung tissue of patients investigated for lung cancer. Owing to their size, shape and resistance to biological degradation, these microfibers have the potential to cause respiratory disease. Other types of air pollution (diesel exhaust, cigarette smoke) can adhere to microfibers and these chemicals may cause additional stress or toxicity to lung cells, making it harder for these patients to fight respiratory infections. At present, no studies have explored whether microfibers can affect cells in lung tissue. In this project, we aim to investigate the effects of microfibers, with and without adhered pollutants, on the cells that line the airways, because these are the first to come into contact with inhaled microfibers.