Microplastics, also present in the home and car: this is how they enter the lungs

A study published in the journal PLOS One has sparked a stir after claiming that the air we breathe indoors (in homes or vehicles) has a high content of microplastics , something that has gone unnoticed by many; even more so given that these barely visible particles have harmful effects on human health.

The study, conducted by a group of researchers from the University of Toulouse, analyzed indoor air content using a technique called Raman spectroscopy. Samples taken from apartments and cars revealed a much higher concentration than previous studies estimated .

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According to the data obtained, the average number of microplastic particles in the air inside homes is around 528 per cubic meter; however, in cars, the figure is four times higher, reaching 3,238 microplastic particles per cubic meter . The researchers stated that these results surprised them and that these levels can be up to 100 times higher than previous estimates.

These particles enter the body through breathing. The research also reveals that nine out of 10 particles detected are smaller than 10 microns, making it easier for them to reach the deepest areas of the lungs without being filtered by the entire human respiratory system .

Something difficult to control

According to research estimates, an adult could inhale nearly 71,000 particles per day just by being indoors . Considering that a person typically spends more than 90% of their time indoors, exposure to these materials is constant. The air in common areas, such as homes, offices, or transportation, becomes a difficult exposure environment to manage.

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The negative effects on the body are still being studied; however, some previous studies link microplastics to cardiovascular disorders, reproductive problems, and even several types of cancer. Despite the limited certainty, researchers urge the urgent need to continue investigating the true impact of this exposure.

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