New Study Reveals Impact of Microplastics on Human Respiratory Health
Recent research has confirmed the presence of nano and microplastic particles in the respiratory systems of humans and birds. A new study by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) explores the effects of inhaling these particles and their deposition in the respiratory tract.
Led by Dr. Suvash Saha, a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, the UTS team used computational fluid-particle dynamics (CFPD) to model how plastic particles of various sizes and shapes move through and settle in the respiratory system based on different breathing rates.
Related: Study explores plastic pollution’s impact on heart health
The findings, published in Environmental Advances, identify key areas where these particles accumulate, such as the nasal cavity, larynx, and lungs.
Dr Saha emphasized the growing evidence of the negative impact of nano and microplastics on respiratory health. The study provides crucial insights for developing targeted strategies to mitigate these risks and improve health interventions.
“Research suggests that inhaled plastic particles can exacerbate lung conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fibrosis, dyspnea (shortness of breath), asthma, and frosted glass nodules,” Dr. Saha stated, adding that “Airborne plastic pollution is now widespread, with inhalation being a significant exposure pathway.”
Plastic particles types and key findings
Primary plastics – Intentionally manufactured, found in cosmetics and personal care products like toothpaste.
Secondary plastics – Fragments from degraded larger plastic items, such as water bottles, food containers, and clothing.
The research also found that synthetic textiles are a major source of indoor airborne plastic particles, while outdoor sources include contaminated aerosols from oceans and particles from wastewater treatment.
Related: Exposing the Human Health Impact of Plastic Chemicals with the World-first Plastic Health Map
Meanwhile, among the key findings from the UTS team’s modelling include:
Breathing rate – Faster breathing increases deposition of larger microplastics in the upper respiratory tract, while slower breathing allows smaller nanoplastics to penetrate deeper into the lungs.
Particle shape – non-spherical microplastics penetrate deeper into the lungs compared to spherical ones, potentially leading to different health effects.
These results underscore the importance of considering breathing rates and particle sizes in health risk assessments related to respiratory exposure to nano and microplastic particles. This study aims to guide the development of more effective health protection strategies against plastic particle pollution.
Source: Science Daily
Category: Education, Top Story
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