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Effects of microplastics on allergic airways and potential pathogenesis: a review
Summary
This review examines how microplastics, which can enter the body through breathing, eating, and skin contact, may affect allergic airway conditions. Researchers found evidence that microplastics can damage airway lining cells, disrupt the protective barrier of the respiratory tract, and trigger heightened airway reactivity. The study suggests that chronic microplastic exposure may worsen allergic airway inflammation, though more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved.
Plastic is widely used in production and daily life. At every stage of its circulation, plastic continuously decomposes into microplastic, and microplastic pollution has increasingly become a global concern for the environment. There is considerable evidence that microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment and can enter the human body through a variety of pathways, posing a threat to human health. These substances can be detected in the respiratory tract and lungs, and prolonged exposure to microplastics can adversely affect the respiratory tract and lead to disease. Furthermore, research has indicated that microplastics are toxic, affecting airway epithelial cell metabolism, disrupting epithelial barrier integrity, and making the airway highly reactive. However, the effect of microplastics on the allergic airway has received little attention. In this paper, we review the toxicity of microplastics and analyze their effects on the allergic airway, exploring the potential mechanisms of action of microplastics in allergic airway inflammation.
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