Do humans inhale microplastics in the air?

Abstract: Over 6% more plastic is produced annually in the form of plastic textile fibres, reaching 60 million metric tonnes, or roughly 16% of global plastic production. Fibrous microplastics are created when these fibres break down (MPs). These MPs have been observed in indoor and outdoor environments, as well as in atmospheric fallouts. Certain fibrous MPs may be inhaled. However, some may persist in the lung causing localised biological responses, including inflammation, especially in individuals with compromised clearance mechanisms. The majority of the are likely to be susceptible to mucociliary clearance. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other related contaminants may cause adverse effects on the nervous system, while the plastic and its additives (dyes, plasticizers) may cause reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity, and mutation.

Keywords: Inhalation; Micropollutants; Fibres; Microplastics; Air pollution; Health risk.