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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Presence of microplastics in human’s respiratory system: bronchoalveolar and bronchial lavage fluid
ClearDetection 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.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage as a Diagnostic Window into Human Exposure to Microplastics and Associated Lung Changes
Bronchoalveolar lavage analysis revealed microplastics in the lower respiratory tract of human patients and showed associated inflammatory changes, providing direct evidence of pulmonary microplastic exposure and supporting the need for occupational and environmental health monitoring.
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.
Microplastics in Human Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
Researchers developed a method to detect microplastics in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, a less invasive sampling technique than surgical lung biopsy, to assess human respiratory exposure. Using fluorescence microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, they identified and characterized microplastic particles in lung wash samples from patients undergoing bronchoscopy. The study suggests that lavage fluid analysis could become a practical tool for monitoring microplastic exposure in human lungs.
Detection 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.
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.
New evidence of the presence of micro- and nanoplastic particles in bronchioalveolar lavage samples of clinical trial subjects
Researchers found micro- and nanoplastic particles in the lung fluid of patients undergoing bronchoscopy — a procedure that samples the deep airways — marking the first detection of airborne nanoplastics in the lower respiratory tract of living humans. All samples contained plastic particles, confirming that people in Northern Europe are regularly inhaling plastics, though the health effects remain under investigation.
First evidence of microplastics isolated in European citizens’ lower airway
Researchers provided the first evidence of microplastics in the lower airways of living European adults, using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 44 patients. Nearly all detected particles were microfibers averaging about 1.7 millimeters in length, with an average concentration of roughly 9 items per 100 milliliters of fluid. The findings confirm that microplastics reach deep into the human respiratory system, though the health implications require further investigation.
Microplastics in Human Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
Researchers developed a new method for detecting microplastics in fluid washed from human lungs (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) and found plastic particles present in every patient tested. They also applied Nile Red staining for the first time to visualize plastics in lung samples, which proved effective for screening and counting particles. The findings provide direct evidence that microplastics are present in the human respiratory system, with a potential link to lung inflammation.
Nanoplastics in the Human Respiratory System
This research paper reports on the detection and characterization of nanoplastics in the human respiratory system, published in a leading pulmonary medicine journal. The study adds to growing evidence that extremely small plastic particles are present in human lungs. The findings underscore the importance of understanding inhalation as a key route of human exposure to plastic pollution.
Presence of airborne microplastics in human lung tissue
Researchers examined human lung tissue from autopsies and found microplastic particles and fibers in 13 out of 20 samples. The most common plastics were polyethylene and polypropylene, with particles smaller than 5.5 micrometers. This study provides direct evidence that inhaled microplastics accumulate in human lungs, raising concerns about potential long-term effects on respiratory health.
Detection of microplastics in human nasal mucosa
Microplastic particles were detected for the first time in human nasal mucosa samples, with polymer types and concentrations quantified, providing direct evidence that the upper respiratory tract is a site of microplastic deposition from inhaled air.
Microplastics inhalation: evidence in human lung tissue
Microplastic particles were found in human lung tissue samples collected during surgery, confirming that people inhale and retain microplastics in pulmonary tissue, with polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate among the polymers identified, raising concerns about chronic respiratory and inflammatory effects.
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.
Tracing Microplastics in the Human Body: From Detection to Disease Mechanisms
This review traces the detection of microplastics across multiple human tissues — from nasal lavage and bronchoalveolar fluid to blood and lung tissue — and examines the disease mechanisms linking plastic particle accumulation to respiratory, cardiovascular, and other systemic health effects.
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.
Evidence of Microplastics in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid among Never-Smokers: A Prospective Case Series
Researchers conducted a prospective case series examining bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 18 never-smokers in China using laser direct infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The study found evidence of microplastic deposition in the respiratory tract, suggesting that inhaled microplastics can accumulate in the lungs even among people who have never smoked.
Identification and characterization of microplastics in human nasal samples
Researchers collected samples from human nasal cavities and confirmed the presence of microplastics, with polyethylene, polyester, acrylic, and polypropylene being the most common types. This finding adds the nose to the growing list of human body sites where microplastics have been detected, raising questions about potential health effects on the respiratory system.
Breathing plastics: Influence of airborne microplastics on the respiratory microbiome and health of human lungs (Review)
Researchers reviewed evidence showing that inhaled airborne microplastics can physically interact with the microbial community living in human lungs, disrupting its balance and triggering inflammation linked to conditions like asthma and fibrosis. Because microplastic particles have been found in lung tissue and fluid samples, inhalation is now recognized as a significant exposure route with measurable consequences for respiratory health.
Respiratory Toxicity of Microplastics: Mechanisms, Clinical Outcomes, and Future Threats
This review summarized the respiratory toxicity of airborne microplastics, covering their sources, the routes by which they penetrate deep into lung tissue, and the range of clinical outcomes from chronic inflammation to potential malignancy. The authors warn that inhalation exposure represents an underappreciated and growing public health threat.