AIR POLLUTION remains a major global public health issue, contributing to 6.7 million premature deaths annually. Among the numerous pollutants present in the air, particulate matter (PM) poses a particularly serious threat to human health. Recent research has identified microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs, <1 µm) as emerging contaminants within PM, especially in urban environments, exacerbating existing health risks.
Particulate plastics originate from the degradation of larger plastic debris, industrial processes, and domestic sources, such as textiles and wastewater. Their widespread presence in the atmosphere is facilitated by their aerodynamic properties, enabling them to travel long distances. Studies have found MPs in both outdoor and indoor air, with concentrations indoors significantly higher, up to 1,583 MP/m³. On average, humans may inhale around 190 MPs per day, highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive risk assessment.
Once inhaled or ingested, these plastics can lodge in human tissues, including the lungs, blood, and even vascular tissues, triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and potentially contributing to chronic cardiovascular conditions. A recent clinical study found particulate plastics in over half the plaques removed during carotid surgeries, linking their presence to a fourfold increase in risk for heart attacks, strokes, or death.
Airborne MPs and NPs, particularly polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), have also been found to adsorb hazardous air pollutants like NO₂, SO₂, and CO, acting as vectors and amplifying their environmental impact. The use of advanced detection techniques, such as FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, has greatly improved understanding of their distribution and interaction with other pollutants.
Addressing this growing threat requires a multifaceted strategy. Promising mitigation methods include advanced oxidation processes and biological degradation using fungi, bacteria, and algae. Public awareness, combined with effective environmental regulations and continued research into the long-term health effects and removal technologies, will be essential. Tackling airborne particulate plastics is vital to safeguarding both human health and environmental sustainability in the face of mounting pollution.
Reference
Wang YL et al. Air pollution and its impacts on health: focus on microplastics and nanoplastics. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025;DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118402.
