Emerging research revealed how inhaled microplastics may harm respiratory health, with evidence of inflammation, lung lesions, and increased disease risk.
When Laura Sadofsky, PhD, a senior lecturer in Respiratory Medicine at the University of Hull, Hull, England, began looking at the effects of microplastic exposure on respiratory health 6 years ago, there were few scientific papers in the literature. “There was very little known about microplastics in the air we breathe,” she told. “Now, there’s a huge amount of work being done, and it’s all important data that we need to collect and learn from.
Most available information comes from in vitro and animal studies. These studies have shown that when plastic comes into contact with the bronchial epithelium, it promotes the release of reactive oxygen species and cytokines, triggering a local inflammatory response. Chronic oxidative stress can lead to the loss of alveolar units, contributing to the development of pulmonary diseases. AnotherEvidence of the link between microplastics in the airways and human disease has also begun to emerge.
The heterogeneous nature of microplastics complicates research further. Different sizes and shapes determine how deep in the lungs microplastics travel. For example, fibers have a greater capacity to infiltrate the respiratory system and are more challenging for the body’s defense mechanisms to eliminate than spherical or other-shaped particles, Baeza-Martínez explained.
Toxicity Poisoning Toxins Lung Cancer Lung Carcinoma Cancer Of The Lung Chronic Bronchitis Lung Airway Airway Management Management Of The Airway Tobacco Cessation Quitting Tobacco Use Smoking Cessation Environmental Exposure Pollutant Pollution Pediatric Respiratory Infections Pediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Pediatric RSV Infection Pediatric Cold
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