A research team from the University of Hull and Castle Hill Hospital in the United Kingdom identified tiny plastic particles in lung tissue from living patients. This marks the first time such material was observed in living humans. The team published their findings in a Describing this discovery journal, noting that the presence of microplastics in lung tissue aligns with growing evidence of plastic fragments in the human body and in the bloodstream.
Earlier studies had detected small plastic pieces in animals and people. These particles have been found in organs such as the spleen, kidneys, and liver of both living individuals and deceased patients. Recently, researchers in the Netherlands reported microplastics in the bloodstream of a living human, a finding that underscores the expanding reach of plastics within the human body. In the latest study, scientists reported microplastics in lung tissue taken from patients undergoing operations at a hospital setting.
Plastic parts in the lungs
Suspecting that people might inhale microscopic plastic fragments, the researchers collaborated with surgical teams at Castle Hill Hospital. They examined tissue samples from patients who had surgery to address various lung conditions and had consented to allow tissue analysis. In total, 13 lung samples were collected and examined under a microscope, revealing plastic fragments in 11 of them.
When the fragments were analyzed, the researchers identified 12 distinct plastic species. These included materials commonly found in everyday items such as clothing, containers, and bottles. The most surprising finding was the distribution of these particles: they appeared not only in the upper regions of the lungs but also in the lower areas, indicating widespread deposition within the organ.
Men have more than women
This result surprised researchers because the airways in the lower lung regions are smaller, which would seem to limit particle access. The study noted higher levels of plastic in male patients compared to female patients, an observation that invites further investigation into how sex-based physiological differences may influence microplastic exposure and retention.
Researchers acknowledged that the health implications of inhaled microplastics are still unclear. The study emphasized the need for additional research to determine potential effects on lung function and overall health as more data become available.
Experts have raised concerns that tiny plastic fragments could cross protective biological barriers, including potential interactions with the brain. Such a crossing would raise serious questions about long-term health consequences if microplastics were able to bypass natural defenses.
Nanoplastics, ultra-small particles invisible to the naked eye, enter the human body through diet and beverages. They have been detected in bottled water and common table salt, as well as a wide range of foods regularly consumed in daily life. They can also be introduced through everyday products such as lipstick and toothpaste, contributing to pervasive exposure across routine hygiene practices.
In addition to inhalation and ingestion pathways, microplastics may reach organisms through a variety of household items and consumer products. The ongoing inquiry into how these particles interact with human tissue and organs continues to grow, highlighting the importance of monitoring and reducing plastic waste in the environment as a public health concern.
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