68,000 Microplastic Particles Sneak Into Your Lungs Every Day Without Leaving Home

Think staying at home keeps you safe? The truth might be unsettling. Every single day, we inhale up to 68,000 ultra-fine microplastic particles within our own living spaces, a number scientists now say is one hundred times higher than previously believed.

This is the conclusion of new research from the University of Toulouse in France, led by Nadiia Yakovenko. Using advanced Raman Spectroscopy, the team detected airborne microplastics as small as one to ten micrometers, about seven times thinner than a human hair, floating invisibly in the air inside homes and even in cars.

The findings were alarming:

• Adults inhale 3,200 larger microplastic particles (10–300 micrometers) per day.
• And a staggering 68,000 smaller particles (1–10 micrometers) per day.

Microplastics are not just in oceans and factories

We tend to associate microplastics with polluted oceans or industrial sites, yet this study reveals that they are just as present in the very spaces we consider clean and safe.

Previous studies mainly focused on particles ranging from twenty to two hundred micrometers. Thanks to Raman Spectroscopy, Yakovenko’s team could detect and measure particles as small as one micrometer, revealing just how pervasive they truly are.

Microplastics - Invisible danger lurking in the air

Most of these particles come from the gradual wear and breakdown of common household items such as carpets, fabrics, and plastic goods. In cars, dashboards and seats made from plastic deteriorate over time due to use, heat, and sunlight, releasing microplastics into the air. These particles can carry toxic chemicals including bisphenol A and phthalates, which have been linked to inflammation, hormonal disruption, reproductive harm, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.

Health risks of inhaling microplastics

Once inside the body, these particles can:
• Cause inflammation and irritation in the respiratory system.
• Weaken the immune system and damage organs through oxidative stress.
• Release harmful additives that affect the respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems.

Protecting the sky for future generations

Yakovenko’s research is both a warning and an opportunity to change course:
• Reduce the use of plastic materials in the home.
• Use air purifiers capable of capturing ultra-fine particles.
• Monitor indoor air quality and respond promptly to changes.

Taking action today is the first step toward building a safer, healthier living space - one where invisible microplastic guests are kept out of the air we breathe.

Source: New Atlas