Shocking study: People inhale more than 70,000 microplastic particles every day indoors

New research reveals people could be inhaling more than 70,000 microplastic particles a day in indoor environments, 100 times higher than previous estimates.

Microplastics in the air can pose a potential threat to respiratory health - Photo: REUTERS

Plastic is a major environmental problem today, appearing everywhere from our drinking water systems to our bloodstreams. Tiny microplastic particles not only enter our bodies through food and water but also through the air we breathe.

In a new study, scientists at the University of Toulouse (France) quantified the amount of microplastics we may inhale each day. The team collected and analyzed 16 indoor air samples from their own apartments and cars, using Raman spectroscopy to measure the concentration of suspended microplastics.

According to ScienceAlert on July 31, the average concentration of microplastics in air samples in apartments was 528 particles/ ^m³ and in cars was 2,238 particles/ ^m³ . Of these particles, 94% were smaller than 10 micrometers, meaning they were small enough to penetrate deep into lung tissue when inhaled.

Combining the results of this study with previous research, the team estimated that adults inhale nearly 71,000 microplastic particles from these environments every day, of which 68,000 are smaller than 10 micrometers.

This concentration is 100 times higher than previous estimates.

"People spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, including at home, at work, in shops, in their cars... and while doing so, they are exposed to microplastic pollution without even knowing it," the study authors said.

The exact impact of microplastics when they enter the body is not yet fully understood, but scientists suspect they are not good. Recent studies suggest that microplastics may increase the risk of certain cancers, reproductive problems, stroke, and a range of other health issues.

The research team emphasized the need for more studies to fully understand the biological impacts of microplastics, as well as how we can limit our exposure to them.

The study was published in the journal PLOS One .

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ANH THU

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nghien-cuu-gay-soc-con-nguoi-hit-hon-70-000-hat-vi-nhua-moi-ngay-trong-nha-20250731122134355.htm