Breathing In Plastic – Microplastics Stick Around in Human Airways

In the age of rampant plastic usage, it’s not just the visible litter that poses a threat to our environment. Microplastics, tiny fragments resulting from the breakdown of plastic items, have stealthily made their way into our respiratory systems, raising serious health concerns. Recent fluid dynamics simulations have provided insight into how these minuscule plastic particles accumulate in the human airways, shedding light on the potential risks and implications for our health.

Unveiling the Microplastic Menace

Research has unveiled a startling revelation – humans might be unknowingly inhaling around 16.2 bits of microplastics per hour, equivalent to the weight of a credit card over the course of a week. These microscopic particles are often laden with toxic substances and chemicals, making their presence within our bodies an alarming concern. The question that arises is how these particles navigate our respiratory system, and what consequences they might have.

A Closer Look at Microplastics in Airways

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Physics of Fluids by AIP Publishing, a collaborative team of researchers from esteemed institutions including the University of Technology Sydney, Western Sydney University, Urmia University, Islamic Azad University, the University of Comilla, and Queensland University of Technology, delved into the intricate dynamics of microplastic deposition within the upper airway.

The research findings point to the fact that microplastics, even with their diminutive size, tend to amass in certain areas within the nasal cavity and oropharynx (the back of the throat). This peculiar pattern of deposition arises due to the complex anatomical structure of the airway, coupled with the asymmetrical flow behavior in the nasal cavity and oropharynx. Consequently, microplastics deviate from the standard flow path and settle in these particular regions.

Factors Influencing Deposition

Several factors play a pivotal role in determining the deposition of microplastics within the airways. The shape and size of these particles, alongside breathing conditions, significantly impact their deposition rates. The study scrutinized microplastics of varying shapes (spherical, tetrahedral, and cylindrical) and sizes (ranging from 1.6 to 5.56 microns) under both slow and rapid breathing conditions.

Interestingly, the study uncovered that an increase in the flow rate of air led to a decrease in microplastic deposition. Furthermore, larger microplastics (5.56 microns) displayed a greater tendency to be deposited within the airways compared to their smaller counterparts.

Implications and Future Prospects

The implications of this study are profound, emphasizing the imminent concern of microplastic exposure and inhalation, especially in regions where plastic pollution or industrial activities are rampant. The findings urge heightened awareness about the presence of microplastics in the air we breathe, and the potential health risks associated with their inhalation.

Researchers behind the study are optimistic that these insights can be leveraged to enhance targeted drug delivery devices and bolster health risk assessment measures. Looking ahead, they intend to extend their research to encompass a larger-scale, patient-specific model of the entire lung, taking into account environmental variables like humidity and temperature.

Conclusion

The menace of microplastics is not confined to the oceans or landfills; it has found its way into our very breath. As we grapple with the pervasive issue of plastic pollution, understanding how these microscopic particles behave within our respiratory system becomes paramount. The collaborative study’s findings spotlight the need for heightened awareness, innovative solutions, and stringent measures to mitigate the risks posed by microplastics to our health and the environment.

FAQs About Microplastics and Human Airways

Q1: What are microplastics? Microplastics are minuscule plastic particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as bottles and bags.

Q2: How do microplastics end up in our airways? Microplastics can become airborne due to processes like weathering, friction, and degradation. They can then be inhaled, settling in the respiratory system.

Q3: What health risks are associated with inhaling microplastics? Microplastics often carry harmful chemicals and toxins. Inhaling them could potentially lead to respiratory ailments and other health issues.

Q4: Are microplastics only found in the air? No, microplastics are ubiquitous. They have been found in water, soil, and even food. In the air, they can be more concentrated in areas with high plastic pollution.

Q5: What can individuals do to reduce microplastic exposure? Reducing plastic usage, recycling responsibly, and supporting efforts to combat plastic pollution can collectively contribute to reducing microplastic exposure.

 

Reference: “How microplastics are transported and deposited in realistic upper airways?” by Mohammad S. Islam, Md. Mizanur Rahman, Puchanee Larpruenrudee, Akbar Arsalanloo, Hamidreza Mortazavy Beni, Md. Ariful Islam, YuanTong Gu and Emilie Sauret, 13 June 2023, Physics of Fluids.
DOI: 10.1063/5.0150703