Breathing in Microplastics Can Scar Your Lungs
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/7/2026
Inhaled microplastics and nanoplastics cause scarring in your lungs. The smaller the particle, the worse the damage.
Three Plastics, Two Sizes, One Outcome
Researchers injected mice with particles of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) in two sizes: microplastics (1 micrometer) and nanoplastics (100 nanometers). All six combinations caused visible lung damage, according to a 2026 study in Toxicology.
The mice developed pulmonary fibrosis, which is permanent scarring of lung tissue. Nanoplastics of the same material caused more damage than microplastics. And polystyrene was the most toxic of the three plastics tested.
How It Happens
The plastic particles triggered inflammation and disrupted a molecular pathway called FXR-YAP1. When researchers blocked certain parts of this pathway in human lung cells, the fibrosis markers dropped. When they knocked out the protective FXR receptor, fibrosis got worse.
This means your lungs have some built-in defense against this kind of damage, but plastic particles can overwhelm it.
What You Can Do
Reduce airborne plastic in your home by vacuuming with a HEPA filter. Avoid synthetic fabrics that shed fibers. Don't microwave plastic. Open windows to ventilate. And switch to non-toxic home essentials that produce fewer plastic particles.
Also see non-toxic kitchen essentials for safer alternatives.