We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Geospatial environmental sources of inhaled microplastics: A case in Zhuhai, China
Summary
Researchers analyzed bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 454 participants who underwent bronchoscopy in Zhuhai, China, to identify environmental sources of inhaled microplastics. They found that proximity to roads, coastlines, and industrial parks was associated with higher microplastic levels in lung fluid. The study provides some of the first direct evidence linking specific geospatial environmental sources to the microplastics found in human lungs.
The impact of inhaled microplastics has emerged as a public health concern, however, the environmental sources contributing to the pulmonary microplastic burden remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between environmental sources and inhaled microplastics. A total of 454 participants undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy in Zhuhai, China, were recruited, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected. Microplastics in BALF were analyzed using laser direct infrared imaging spectrometry, and geospatial data were used to assess the distance from each participant's residence to roads, coastlines, and industrial parks. Linear regression models were applied to quantify the associations between each environmental exposure source and inhaled microplastics. Of the 454 participants, microplastics were detected in 96.26 % of BALF samples, with polyethylene, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride being the most prevalent types. Each 10-unit increase in distance to the nearest branch road and coastline was associated with a 0.46 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: -0.83 %, -0.08 %) and 27.57 % (95 % CI: -40.59 %, -11.69 %) decrease in total microplastics, respectively. These findings identify key environmental contributors to inhaled microplastics and underscore the need to address airborne microplastic exposure in environmental health policy and urban planning.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Detection of Microplastics in Human Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid: Preliminary Evidence of Respiratory Exposure to Environmental Contaminants
Researchers analyzed bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from eight adult patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy and detected microplastics in the samples using microscopy, providing preliminary direct evidence that airborne microplastics deposit in the human respiratory tract.
Microplastics in the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Chinese Children: Associations with Age, City Development, and Disease Features
Microplastics were detected in nearly 90% of lung fluid samples from Chinese children with respiratory diseases, with an average of about 4 particles per 10 milliliters. Younger children and those living in more developed urban areas had higher levels, likely due to more indoor crawling behavior and greater surrounding plastic use. This is significant because it confirms that children are inhaling microplastics into their lungs, and younger children may be especially vulnerable.
Microplastics in the atmospheric of the eastern coast of China: different function areas reflecting various sources and transport
Atmospheric sampling at two sites in a Chinese coastal city found microplastics suspended in the air at both downtown and industrial locations, but with different dominant sources — lifestyle and consumer products in the city center versus industrial activity in the industrial zone. The finding that microplastics are transported through the atmosphere confirms that people in urban areas are inhaling plastic particles regardless of proximity to industrial facilities.
Human Exposure to Airborne Microplastics: A Study on Detection and Potential Health Effects Using BAL Fluid
This study detected inhaled microplastics in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from the lower respiratory tract of human patients and found associations between microplastic presence and markers of lung inflammation and impaired lung function.
Presence of microplastics in human’s respiratory system: bronchoalveolar and bronchial lavage fluid
Researchers analyzed bronchial and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients undergoing bronchoscopy and confirmed the presence of microplastics in the human respiratory system. They characterized the types, sizes, and quantities of microplastic particles found at different levels of the airways. The study provides direct evidence that microplastics deposit within human lungs and suggests that respiratory exposure is a meaningful route of human microplastic intake.