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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Impact of Airborne Microplastics on Induced Sputum of Urban Dwellers: the Role of Environmental and Occupational Factors
ClearDetection and Analysis of Microplastics in Human Sputum
Researchers analyzed sputum (mucus from the lungs) from 22 patients with respiratory diseases and found microplastics in every single sample, identifying 21 different plastic types. Polyurethane was the most common type detected, and most particles were smaller than 500 micrometers. This study provides direct evidence that humans are inhaling microplastics, with factors like smoking and medical procedures increasing the amount found in the respiratory tract.
Exposure to microplastics in the upper respiratory tract of indoor and outdoor workers
Researchers measured microplastic presence in the upper respiratory tracts of indoor office workers and outdoor couriers using nasal lavage and sputum samples. The study found microplastics in both groups, with office workers showing significantly higher nasal contamination than couriers, and the dominant plastic types differing between indoor and outdoor workers.
Microplastics in the urban atmosphere: Sources, occurrences, distribution, and potential health implications
This review summarizes research on airborne microplastics in cities, finding that indoor sources like textiles and outdoor sources like traffic-related plastic particles are major contributors. Microplastic concentrations in urban air can be significant, especially in densely populated areas, and people can inhale these particles daily. The health implications of breathing in microplastics are still being studied, but early evidence suggests they may cause lung inflammation and other respiratory problems.
An emerging class of air pollutants: Potential effects of microplastics to respiratory human health?
This review explores the emerging concern that airborne microplastics can be inhaled by humans, potentially causing adverse effects on the respiratory system. Researchers compiled available data on the concentration, size, shape, and chemical composition of microplastic particles found in urban air. The findings suggest that airborne plastic debris represents a largely understudied class of air pollutant with potential implications for human health.
Microplastics in urine, sputum and lung lavage fluid from patients with respiratory illnesses
Researchers analyzed urine, sputum (mucus from coughing), and lung fluid from 30 patients with respiratory conditions in Iran and found microplastics in all three types of samples. Sputum contained the most particles (358 total), dominated by polyurethane fibers, while urine had the fewest (9 particles). The different types and sizes of plastics found in each fluid suggest the body sorts and distributes inhaled and ingested microplastics through different pathways.
[Distribution, Respiratory Exposure, and Traceability of Atmospheric Microplastics in Yichang City].
Researchers sampled airborne microplastics at 16 locations across Yichang City, China, and found them in every area, with the highest concentrations settling over urban residential neighborhoods. The particles were mostly polyester fibers and came predominantly from nearby sources rather than long-range transport. Daily inhalation estimates were calculated for both adults and children, highlighting indoor and outdoor respiratory exposure as a meaningful human health concern that warrants tighter monitoring.
Study of suspended microplastics in indoor air to assess human exposure through inhalation
Researchers investigated suspended microplastics in indoor air to assess the extent of human exposure through inhalation. The study quantified airborne microplastic particles in indoor settings, providing data on a potentially important but understudied route of daily microplastic intake for the general population.
Deposition of microplastics associated with bioaccumulation of heavy metals in human lungs of smokers: Implications of adsorption and mobilization of metals via microplastics
Researchers compared lung tissue from smokers and non-smokers and found that smokers accumulated more microplastics alongside elevated levels of heavy metals in lung tissue, suggesting that tobacco smoke enhances chelation of heavy metals to airborne microplastics, increasing lung bioaccumulation.
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.
PM10-bound microplastics and trace metals: A public health insight from the Korean subway and indoor environments
Researchers measured airborne microplastics bound to breathable dust particles in Korean subway stations, homes, and outdoor areas, finding indoor levels about four times higher than outdoors. Microplastic particles deposited in the lungs were highest in residential homes due to the amount of time people spend indoors. The study warns that long-term inhalation of these tiny plastic particles may significantly increase the risk of respiratory disease.
The dawn of a new air pollutant: inhalable microplastics as emerging vectors of hazardous contaminants and their implications for human health
Researchers measured tiny inhalable microplastics in the air across four major Indian cities and found concentrations high enough that an average person could accumulate nearly 3 grams in their lungs over a lifetime. Polyester fibers from textiles were the most common type detected, and the particles were also found to carry harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and even pathogenic microorganisms. The study highlights airborne microplastics as an emerging air pollutant with potential health implications.
Airborne microplastic particle concentrations and characterization in indoor urban microenvironments
Researchers measured airborne microplastic concentrations across indoor environments including homes, workplaces, and public transit in an urban setting. Buses had the highest concentrations at over 17 particles per cubic meter, while homes and workplaces had lower but still significant levels. Most particles were polyamide and polyester fibers smaller than 100 micrometers, small enough to be inhaled, highlighting indoor air as an important but understudied route of microplastic exposure.
New Evidence of Microplastics in the Lower Respiratory Tract: Inhalation through Smoking
Researchers collected lung fluid samples from smokers and nonsmokers and found that smokers had significantly higher concentrations of microplastics in their lower respiratory tract. A laboratory smoking simulation confirmed that cigarette smoke itself carries microplastic particles, including polyurethane and silicone. The study identifies smoking as a previously unrecognized route of microplastic inhalation, adding to the known health concerns associated with tobacco use.
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.
Isolation and characterization of microplastics from the human respiratory system: Sputum, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid, and pleural fluid simultaneously
In the first study of its kind in Iran, researchers found microplastics in every sample collected from the human respiratory system, including sputum, lung fluid, and the fluid surrounding the lungs. Polyester fibers were the most common type detected, and people with occupational exposure or smoking habits had higher amounts, confirming that we regularly breathe in microplastics that reach deep into our lungs.
New insights into the long-term dynamics and deposition-suspension distribution of atmospheric microplastics in an urban area
Researchers tracked airborne microplastics in a city over a full year and found an average of 302 particles per square meter per day falling from the sky, with people potentially inhaling up to 12,777 particles per year. The microplastics came from sources up to 1,750 kilometers away, including traffic, industry, and textiles. This study highlights that breathing is a significant route of microplastic exposure for humans, even for people living far from obvious pollution sources.
Breathing plastics in Metro Manila, Philippines: Presence of suspended atmospheric microplastics in ambient air
Researchers detected suspended atmospheric microplastics in ambient air samples from 16 cities and one municipality in Metro Manila, Philippines, confirming that urban air in Southeast Asia contains respirable plastic particles and raising concern about inhalation exposure among dense urban populations.
Airborne microplastics distribution in indoor and outdoor environments of a rapidly growing city in South India
Researchers measured airborne microplastic concentrations bound to particulate matter in both indoor and outdoor environments across Tiruchirappalli, a rapidly growing city in Tamil Nadu, India. Indoor concentrations exceeded outdoor levels at several sites, with synthetic fiber microplastics dominating, indicating that indoor human activities contribute significantly to inhalation exposure.
Atmospheric Microplastic Particulate Matter in an Urban Roadside: Case of Bandar Lampung City, Indonesia
Researchers sampled airborne microplastics at four locations across Bandar Lampung City, Indonesia, including industrial zones, residential neighborhoods, busy roads, and the city center. They found microplastic concentrations ranging from 0.002 to 0.02 particles per cubic meter of air, with fibrous shapes and PET plastic most common. Industrial areas had the highest total particulate levels, and northern parts of the city appear to be a likely source of airborne microplastics carried by traffic. This study adds to growing evidence that city dwellers are breathing in microplastics simply from the air around them.
Evidences of Microplastic in Air and Street Dust: A Case Study of Varanasi City, India
Researchers measured microplastics in air and street dust samples from multiple sites in Varanasi, India, finding plastic particles in all samples including suspended and settled dust. The study adds to evidence that urban air and dust are important but underappreciated sources of human microplastic exposure.