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Plastics in Every Breath: The Silent Respiratory Health Threat We Cannot Avoid
Summary
Inhalation of micro- and nanoplastics is unavoidable and has been linked to lung epithelial toxicity, while plastic-associated chemicals are tied to lung cancer risk — yet quantifying in vivo exposure remains technically challenging due to thermal degradation during detection. This highlights an urgent need for non-destructive detection methods and biodegradable plastic alternatives to reduce respiratory health risks.
Key Points Inhalation of plastic particles is unavoidable but changing certain behaviours may reduce exposure. Micro‐nano‐plastics have been linked to lung epithelial cell toxicity while plastic associated chemical exposure has been linked to lung cancer. Quantifying the true values of micro‐nano‐plastics and plastic associated chemicals in vivo is challenging as current detection techniques involve thermal degradation of biological samples. Innovation is needed to develop materials that have the same functionality as plastics, while being biodegradable and free from plastic associated chemicals.