Microplastic Inhalation: Are Your Lungs at Risk? - AI Podcast
Story at-a-glance
- Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, found everywhere in the environment, and capable of accumulating in human and animal lung tissues
- A 2025 study found microplastic particles in every lung sample from 51 bird species, with an average of 221 particles per bird's lungs. These findings suggest similar widespread contamination in humans
- Previous research has shown that microplastics are present in human lung tissues, with particles from common plastics like polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Microplastics disrupt hormone balance, cause chronic inflammation, create oxidative stress, damage gut health, and even cross the placenta and blood-brain barrier
- To reduce your microplastic exposure, switch to reusable bags, store food in glass containers, avoid using single-use plastics, choose natural home products, and improve your indoor air quality with an air filter
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