Microplastic pollution has been detected deep in the lungs of living people for the first time. Microplastic particles were seen in almost all samples examined.
According to the news in The Guardian, microplastics were detected in 11 of the samples taken from the lungs of 13 people who had surgery. The most common particle was polypropylene, which is used in plastic packages and bottles.
“WE DID NOT EXPECT TO FIND”
“We didn’t expect to find the largest amount of particles in the lower part of the lungs,” said British research scientist Laura Sadofsky. Because the airways are narrower in the lower parts of the lungs, we would have guessed that particles of this size would be filtered or trapped without going deep.”
“These data offer great insight into air pollution, microplastics and human health,” Sadofsky said.
In two previous studies, microplastics were found in the lung tissue in autopsies of people who died.
DETECTED IN THE BLOOD
It was known that people inhaled small particles while breathing, as well as swallowing while consuming food and water.
In a study conducted in March, microplastics were detected for the first time in human blood. Although the health effects of microplastics are not yet known, scientists say they can damage cells. (T24)