Microplastics in the air: A hidden threat to lung health
Microplastics inhaled by humans can weaken lung immune cells, increasing the risk of diseases. Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that these particles can lead to long-term health problems.
What do you need to know?
- Microplastics affect lung health: Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh found that inhaled microplastic particles weaken macrophages, key immune cells in the lungs.
- A threat to the whole body: Research indicates that microplastics can spread throughout the body, affecting various organ systems and increasing the risk of diseases.
During the ATS 2025 International Conference in San Francisco, scientists presented research findings on the impact of microplastics on health. Prof. Adam Soloff, the study's author, said that it is an eye-opening discovery. It shows that while microplastics are not the most dangerous factor people can encounter, they are certainly not harmless.
How do microplastics affect the body?
Macrophages, the most numerous immune cells in the lungs, are responsible for absorbing pathogens and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Research has shown that within 24 hours of exposure to microplastics, macrophages were less effective at surrounding and absorbing bacteria.
Prof. Soloff warns that microplastics present in the respiratory tract, after passing through the lungs, spread systemically and negatively impact macrophage function.
Is there a way to protect against microplastics?
Dr. Soloff says that considering the poor air quality in so many places around the world, one can imagine that developing an inexpensive therapy with a low risk of side effects that restores the function of lung macrophages could be an important tool in fighting the increasing incidence of lung diseases.
The research team now plans further studies on lung tissues of patients exposed to microplastics. The long-term goal is to develop biomarkers for lung disease risk that could be used for early detection or intervention.
