Microplastics in the Lungs: A Hidden Threat You’re Breathing In

Redacción HC
21/10/2023

For years, scientists have warned about the growing presence of microplastics in our environment—tiny plastic fragments found in oceans, food, and even bottled water. But what if these particles were also making their way deep into our lungs? A groundbreaking study published in Science of The Total Environment confirms just that: microplastics are not only inhaled—they accumulate in human lung tissue.

This revelation raises serious concerns for public health and underscores the urgent need to address air quality from a new angle. The research, led by scientists from the University of Hull and Castle Hill Hospital in the UK, provides the first direct evidence of microplastic pollution in the lung tissue of living patients.

Inhaling Plastics: What the Study Found

A New Frontier in Pollution Research

Until now, most studies had only hinted at the possibility of airborne microplastics entering the lungs. This new pilot study changes the game by directly analyzing lung tissue collected from patients undergoing surgery. The researchers used advanced μFTIR (micro-Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy to detect plastic particles as small as 3 micrometers in size.

Out of 13 samples, 11 contained microplastics. On average, there were 1.42 microplastic particles per gram of tissue, a figure that remained significant even after adjusting for lab contamination. Notably, the highest concentrations were found in the lower lobes of the lungs, with up to 3.12 particles per gram—suggesting that these tiny pollutants can penetrate deeply into the respiratory system.

What Kind of Plastics Are We Breathing?

The study detected at least 12 types of polymers, with polypropylene (23%), polyethylene terephthalate or PET (18%), and resin polymers (15%) topping the list. These materials are common in everyday products like packaging, synthetic clothing, and household items—hinting at the diverse sources of plastic dust in indoor and outdoor environments.

Even more worrying: the plastic fragments identified were much larger than the nanoplastics that are likely even more pervasive but harder to detect. This means the current findings could just be the tip of the iceberg.

From Plastic to Pathology: Why This Matters

Localized Lung Accumulation

The discovery that microplastics concentrate more heavily in the lower regions of the lungs has clinical implications. These areas are responsible for crucial gas exchange, meaning plastic accumulation here could disrupt essential respiratory functions. While the study didn’t directly link particles to disease, it lays the groundwork for future toxicological studies.

Real Exposure, Not Lab Contamination

To ensure the results weren’t due to external contamination, the researchers used strict laboratory controls and negative "blank" samples. The difference between these blanks and actual tissue samples confirms that plastic pollution in the lungs is not a lab artifact—it’s a real phenomenon.

Comparisons to Other Studies

This research complements prior findings from cadavers and animal models, such as those by Amato-Lourenço et al. (2021) and Baeza-Martínez et al. (2022), which also detected microplastics in lung lavage samples and tissue biopsies. However, this is the first peer-reviewed study to analyze live patient lung tissue, making its implications particularly urgent.

Implications for Health, Policy, and Daily Life

Protecting Public Health

The confirmed presence of microplastics in lung tissue signals a pressing need to expand air quality standards. Policymakers must consider including microplastic particles in environmental regulations and invest in better filtration systems for indoor air—especially in high-risk settings like schools, hospitals, and densely populated cities.

What Should You Do?

While the regulatory landscape catches up, individuals can take proactive steps:

• Use HEPA filters in air conditioning units.
• Avoid synthetic textiles and plastic-heavy decor indoors.
• Ensure proper ventilation in homes and workplaces.
• Support bans on single-use plastics and initiatives to reduce urban air pollution.

Next Steps for Science

The study’s authors call for expanded research into:

• Smaller plastic particles (nanoplastics) that likely penetrate even deeper into lung tissue.
• Longitudinal studies to track health outcomes in populations exposed to high plastic air loads.
• Mechanisms of damage, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and links to respiratory diseases like asthma, fibrosis, or even cancer.

A Wake-Up Call from Within

Plastic pollution is no longer a distant issue affecting oceans or wildlife. It’s inside us, quite literally. This study provides compelling evidence that microplastics are a new frontier in environmental health, one that demands immediate attention.

The lungs, once thought to be a relatively protected organ when it comes to plastic exposure, have now joined the growing list of contaminated biological systems. It’s time to rethink how we define clean air and clean environments in the age of microplastic saturation.

Topics of interest

Pollution Health