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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to The Invisible Threat: Investigating the Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health and the Environment
ClearAn 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.
The terrible air pollution in Dhaka city is getting worse
This study documents the worsening air pollution crisis in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where rapid urbanization and vehicle emissions have pushed particulate matter levels well above safe guidelines. While not directly about microplastics, airborne microplastics are a component of urban particulate pollution, and the respiratory health risks described overlap with those from inhaling microplastic fibers. The authors call for stricter emission standards and cleaner transportation to protect public health.
Airborne microplastics in indoor and outdoor environments of a developing country in South Asia: abundance, distribution, morphology, and possible sources
Researchers quantified airborne microplastic concentrations in indoor and outdoor environments in a South Asian developing country, characterizing particle abundance, size distribution, morphology, and potential sources, finding significant microplastic air pollution in a lower-middle-income country context.
Quantifying Atmospheric Small Micro- and Nanoplastics (MNP) in The Netherlands
Scientists measured tiny plastic particles floating in the air in the Netherlands and found five common types of plastics that we breathe in daily, including materials from plastic bags, bottles, and food containers. These microscopic plastic pieces are so small they can get deep into our lungs and potentially enter our bloodstream, which could pose health risks. The research helps us better understand how much plastic pollution we're exposed to through the air we breathe, especially in areas near major cities.
Plastic Smell: A Review of the Hidden Threat of Airborne Micro and Nanoplastics to Human Health and the Environment
This review examines the growing threat of airborne micro- and nanoplastics, which spread globally through atmospheric transport and can settle in both cities and remote areas. Inhaling these particles may cause respiratory inflammation, oxidative stress, and other health problems, and the particles can also carry harmful chemicals and microbes, amplifying their potential impact.
Particulate Matter (PM) Levels and Associated Health Risks at the Indonesian National Nuclear Energy Agency
This paper is not about microplastics. It measured particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) air pollution levels at various locations within the Indonesian National Nuclear Energy Agency facilities. The study found concentrations exceeding air quality standards and linked exposure to respiratory health risks, but it focused on conventional air particulate pollution rather than microplastic contamination.
Suspended fine particulate matter (PM2.5), microplastics (MPs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air: Their possible relationships and health implications
Researchers analyzed the relationship between airborne fine particulate matter, microplastics, and toxic chemicals in an urban area near the Persian Gulf. They found microplastics embedded in air pollution particles, suggesting that people may be inhaling microplastics along with other air pollutants, with potential combined health effects that warrant further investigation.
Air pollution and its impacts on health: Focus on microplastics and nanoplastics
This review summarizes how airborne micro- and nanoplastics enter the body through breathing, eating, and skin contact, contributing to health risks alongside traditional air pollutants. Plastic particles have been found in human blood, vein tissues, and lungs, and their presence in fine particulate matter in urban air may worsen the inflammation, oxidative stress, and respiratory and heart disease risks already associated with air pollution.
Abundances, Characteristics, and Health Risk Assessment of Airborne Microplastics in the Urban Area: A Case Study of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Scientists found tiny plastic particles floating in the air of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with higher amounts during certain weather seasons. These microplastics are small enough to get deep into our lungs when we breathe, and adults face higher health risks than children because they breathe in more air. This research shows that people living in busy cities may be regularly breathing in plastic pollution, but more studies are needed to understand the long-term health effects.
Microplastics as an Emerging Source of Particulate Air Pollution
This review examines the growing body of research on airborne microplastics as a source of particulate air pollution, covering their sources, transport mechanisms, and presence in both indoor and outdoor environments. Researchers highlight that airborne microplastics can travel long distances and have been found in remote locations far from population centers. The study underscores significant gaps in our understanding of how inhaling these tiny plastic particles may affect human health.
Air pollution and publications: historic and emerging trends in research topics - a bibliometric study
Scientists reviewed thousands of research papers to see what we're learning about air pollution and health. They found that researchers are discovering new health problems linked to dirty air, including kidney disease, brain disorders, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. However, there are still big knowledge gaps, especially about how tiny plastic particles in the air might affect our health.
A comprehensive review of micro- and nano-plastics in the atmosphere: Occurrence, fate, toxicity, and strategies for risk reduction.
This review examines a decade of research on micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) in the atmosphere, covering their occurrence in outdoor and indoor air, toxicological effects on human health, and strategies to reduce exposure risk from inhalation of airborne plastic particles.
Microplastics and particulate matter: assessment of atmospheric pollution in the Region of Hortênsias, Brazil
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations alongside particulate matter in the atmosphere of an urban area, characterizing the size, morphology, and polymer composition of airborne plastic particles and assessing the contribution of different anthropogenic sources to atmospheric MP pollution.
Microplastics in air: a hidden public health threat
This short review explains how microplastics become airborne from land, ocean, and industrial sources and are transported globally through the atmosphere, potentially entering the human body through inhalation. The author frames airborne microplastics as a hidden public health threat warranting greater scientific and regulatory attention.
Plastic breath: Quantification of microplastics and polymer additives in airborne particles
Researchers quantified microplastics and polymer additives in airborne samples to assess inhalation exposure, finding synthetic particles across multiple size fractions in outdoor air. The study highlights airborne microplastics as a significant and often underestimated route of human plastic exposure.
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.
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.
Microplastic Distribution Model in Ambient Air PM2.5 Around the Medan Industrial Area, North Sumatra
Researchers investigated the distribution of microplastics in fine particulate matter around an industrial area in Medan, North Sumatra, finding between 41 and 92 particles per sample. The dominant form was fragments, making up 62% of detected microplastics, and their distribution was influenced by wind direction and nearby pollution sources. The study suggests that industrial areas are significant contributors to airborne microplastic contamination in the surrounding environment.
Microplastics in Airborne Particulate Matter: A Comprehensive Review of Separation Techniques, In Vitro Toxicity and Health Impacts
This review synthesized research on microplastics found in airborne particulate matter, covering separation techniques, in vitro toxicity studies, and potential health effects. The evidence indicates that inhaled microplastics from sources like tire wear, plastic debris degradation, and wind resuspension may compound the health risks already associated with particulate air pollution, particularly for respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes.
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.
Atmospheric microplastics: exposure, toxicity, and detrimental health effects
This review summarizes what is known about microplastics in the air, including their sources, how they travel, and their effects on human health when inhaled or swallowed. Airborne microplastics come from synthetic textiles, road dust, construction materials, and industrial processes, and can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs and other organs. The authors conclude that atmospheric microplastics represent an underappreciated route of human exposure that deserves more research and regulation.
Review of Urban Air Pollution and Health
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on urban air pollution and its health impacts, covering traditional pollutants like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides as well as emerging contaminants such as microplastics. The study highlights consistent links between air pollution and cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and immune health outcomes, with children, older adults, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups identified as particularly vulnerable.