A new study has revealed that people may inhale as many as 68,000 microplastic particles per day, raising urgent concerns about the hidden health risks associated with air pollution.
Published in PLOS ONE and reported by The Guardian, the research highlights that these microplastic fragments are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs—posing a more serious threat than previously recognized.
Tiny Particles, Big Risks
Unlike larger airborne microplastics identified in earlier studies, these ultrafine particles—measuring 1 to 10 micrometres, or roughly one-seventh the width of a human hair—can linger in the air and travel through the respiratory system more easily. Their microscopic size also allows them to spread throughout the body, compounding potential health hazards.
Health Implications
Researchers warn that inhaling microplastics could have far-reaching consequences. These findings suggest that the health effects of inhaling microplastics may be far more severe than previously thought.
While long-term impacts remain under study, scientists fear links to lung inflammation, respiratory illnesses, and broader systemic health risks. The results contribute to a growing body of evidence highlighting the pervasive presence of microplastics in the environment—not just in oceans and food systems, but also in the air people breathe daily.
