Scientists have discovered for the first time in a large study microplastics trapped in the lungs of living people, indicating that we may be inhaling these dangerous substances without knowing it. The new study points to its dangerous effects on the respiratory system, which can lead to serious problems.
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are less than five millimeters long and have been found to be dispersed in oceans, mountains and the air. These result from large plastic debris that breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. These tiny particles pass through easily water filtration systems and ends up in the ocean, posing a potential threat to aquatic life.
A team of scientists from Hull York Medical School and the University of Hull found 39 microplastics in 11 of the 13 lung tissue samples tested, more than any previous laboratory test. This study has been accepted for publication by the journal Science of the Total Environment.
“Microplastics have previously been found in human autopsy samples – this is the first robust study to show microplastics in the lungs of living people.” It also shows that they are in the lower parts of the lungs. The airways of the lungs are very narrow so no one thought they could possibly get there, but they clearly have,” said Dr. Laura Sadofsky, senior lecturer in respiratory medicine at Hull York Medical School and lead author of the paper. said.
The study was conducted on living lung tissue As was collected from surgical procedures performed on still-living patients, as part of their routine medical care.
Scientists have discovered 12 different types of microplastics that have many uses and are commonly found in packaging, bottles, clothing, rope/twine and many manufacturing processes. The team said they found significantly higher levels of microplastics in male patients than in females.
“We didn’t expect to find the highest number of particles in the lower regions of the lungs, or particles of the same size we found. This is surprising because the airways in the lower parts of the lungs are smaller, and we expected particles All of these sizes must be filtered or trapped before they can go deeper into the lungs,” Dr. Laura said.
The study found the presence of 11 microplastics in the upper part of the lung, seven in the central part and 21 microplastics in the lower part of the lung “which was an unexpected finding.” The researchers also found microplastics of sizes and shapes that can be ingested by humans.
researchers had previously found these Tiny plastic particles in blood raise health concerns Everywhere in Earlier, scientists studying these tiny particles had detected them in the air around Pic du Midi at an altitude of 2,877 meters in the French Pyrenees.