Humans inhale as much as 68,000 microplastic particles daily, study finds | Plastics

Each breathing that people absorb their home or car probably contains significant amounts of microplastics small enough to deeply dig into the lungs, new research discoveries evaluated by peers, developing an exhibition and threat to health.

The study, published in the journal PLOS One, believes that humans can inhale up to 68,000 tiny plastic particles per day. Previous studies have identified pieces of microplastics suspended in the air, but these are not as much a threat to health because they do not hang in the air for so long, or move so deep in the pulmonary system.

The smaller bits measure between 1 and 10 micrometers, or approximately a seventh thickness of a human hair and present more a threat to health because they can more easily be distributed throughout the body. The results “suggest that the impacts on the health of microplastic inhalation can be more substantial than we think,” the authors wrote.

“We were quite surprised at the microplastic levels that we found – it was much higher than that previously estimated,” said Nadiia Yakovenko, microplastic researcher and co -author of the study with the French University of Toulouse. “The size of the particle is small and well known to transfer to the tissues, which is dangerous because it can enter the blood circulation and go deep into the respiratory system.”

Microplastics are tiny plastic bits is intentionally added to consumer goods, or which are larger products broken down. Particles contain a number of 16,000 plastic chemicals, many, such as BPA, phthalates and PFAs, have serious health risks.

The substance has been found throughout the human body and can cross the placental and cerebral barriers. Food and water have been considered the main exposure route, but the new research highlights the risk of air pollution. Among other problems, microplastics are linked to chronic pulmonary inflammation, which can cause lung cancer.

The concentrations in indoor air are much higher than outside air, which, according to study authors, is worrying because humans spend about 90% of the day inside. Yakovenko said the interior concentrations are higher because it is a closed environment with high plastic levels in a small area, and there is generally poor ventilation.

The study measured the air in several rooms in several apartments, as well as in car cabins as the authors have led. It is believed that the source of microplastics in apartments is deteriorating in consumer products, from clothing to kitchen items, including carpets.

Almost all human activities will launch microplastics because the bits are so light. The levels were much higher in an apartment in which two people lived due to almost all human activity that starts the particles. Smaller particles remain in suspension in the air longer because they are lighter, said Yakovenko.

“Any air movement, vibrations, your movement, if you are walking, you sit, you get up, if you open a window – all this will put the particles in suspension,” said Yakovenko.

Meanwhile, plastic concentration in the air of cars was about four times higher than in apartments. Because it is a smaller closed environment, cars have a higher concentration of plastic and ventilation is not good, said Yakovenko. The researchers have adorned the microplastic material with the one used on the dashboard, the door handle, the steering wheel and other components.

Although it is impossible to avoid all microplastics in the air, exposures can be reduced by eliminating as much plastic as possible from the family environment – buy products in wood, metal and fiber or natural materials.

HEPA air filtration systems have proven to be effective in eliminating microplastics, and Yakuvenko said that the regular vacuum cleaner with HEPA vacuum cleaner and sprinkling can help. Reducing levels in the car is more difficult. Opening windows can ventilate an automotive cabin, but this could potentially allow microplastic tire pollution.