A surprising new study reveals that people may be inhaling tens of thousands of microplastic particles every day than previously estimated. Especially in indoor spaces such as homes and car interiors.
A new study conducted by scientists at the University of Toulouse sheds light on the hidden, potentially dangerous presence of microscopic plastic in the very air we breathe.
By analyzing real-life air samples using advanced detection methods, this study revealed that most of the aerial microplastics are very small and can penetrate deep into the lungs, raising new concerns about long-term health effects, and exposing indoor air as a much more important source of exposure.
The authors of this study highlighted the dangers of microplastics. “Where we see, we find microplastics, even in the air we breathe in our homes and cars. The biggest concern is that these particles are completely invisible to the naked eye.
“We inhale thousands of things every day without realizing it. Deep inside our lungs, microplastics reach our blood and release toxic additives that cause multiple diseases.”
What is microplastic?
Microplastics are small plastic fragments that are usually less than 5 mm in length. They are produced as small particles, such as microbeads, which are derived from the failure of large plastic items or found in cosmetics.
These particles can be found almost anywhere, anywhere, from the oceans and soil to the air we breathe.
In particular, there are fine microplastics (less than 10 micrometers in diameter) sufficient to bypass the body’s natural defenses and reach deeper into the lungs, which can lead to chronic respiratory and general body health issues.
Indoor Air: Microplastic Hidden Reservoir
Microplastics have been discovered in a variety of environments around the world, but this latest study is one of the first to directly measure microplastic concentrations in the air in real indoor conditions, especially in personal living spaces and car cabins.
Using advanced Raman spectroscopy, the researchers analyzed 16 air samples and discovered surprisingly high levels of fine microplastic particles.
The results were impressive. The indoor air in the apartment contained a median concentration of 528 particles per cubic metre, while the air in the car reached 2,238 particles per cubic metre during typical operating conditions.
In particular, 94% of these aerial microplastics were less than 10 micrometers, small enough to reach the deepest part of the lungs.
Despite the higher concentrations of car samples, inter-environmental variation was sufficiently important, and the differences were inconclusive.
Still, both settings showed exposure levels that had previously been underestimated by researchers.
Inhalation exposure can be 100 times higher than thought
By combining the findings with previously published data, researchers estimate that adults could inhalate up to 68,000 fine microplastic particles per day.
This figure is 100 times higher than previous estimates focusing primarily on large particles, and is less likely to penetrate the inferior respiratory system.
This suggests that past assessments of health risks associated with airborne microplastic exposure may significantly underestimate the threat posed by smaller particles.
Unlike large fragments that tend to be trapped in the upper respiratory tract, fine microplastic particles bypass these natural filters and can potentially cause oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and even organ-level damage.
Calling for emergency research and regulations
These findings show that the first microplastic levels of car cabins have been systematically studied, identifying another overlooked but common environment in which humans may face considerable exposure.
Public health impacts are wide and imminent as people spend a significant portion of their lives indoors or on vehicles.
Experts emphasize the need for further research to better understand how long-term inhalation of microplastic particles affects the body. Additionally, regulators may need to review current air quality standards, taking into account these newly quantified pollutants.
As awareness grows about the ubiquity and dangers of microplastics, these insights underline the urgent need for both scientific research and policy action, and mitigate exposure in everyday environments.
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