Nanoplastics From Plastic Packaging Break Down Airway Barriers

Polypropylene is one of the most common plastics in food packaging, containers, and everyday household products. When it degrades, it releases nanoplastics. A 2026 study in Allergy tested what happens when polypropylene nanoplastics reach the airway. Using a human respiratory epithelial barrier model, they found the nanoplastics damage the barrier and enter systemic circulation where they bind to blood proteins.

What the Experiment Found

Researchers in Turkey used a chip-based human airway model (epithelial barrier-on-chip) to expose the respiratory lining to polypropylene nanoplastics at 250 µg/mL for 3 days. The nanoplastics disrupted the epithelial barrier integrity. After crossing the barrier, the polypropylene particles showed direct interactions with human serum albumin, the most abundant protein in blood, potentially altering its function and transport properties throughout the body.

This is significant because airway barrier disruption is the same pathway associated with increased susceptibility to allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections. The study was published in the journal Allergy, which focuses specifically on immune and respiratory diseases.

Polypropylene in Your Home

Polypropylene (PP, labeled as #5 plastic) is in food containers, bottle caps, takeout containers, straws, and many household storage items. It sheds nanoplastics, especially as it ages, gets scratched, or is exposed to heat. These particles become airborne and are inhaled.

Replacing polypropylene food containers with glass or stainless steel removes the shedding source in your kitchen. Browse non-toxic kitchen alternatives for food storage that doesn't degrade into particles, and non-toxic home essentials to reduce plastic throughout your home.

Source: Sert O, Bilgi E, Coban R, Saglam-Metiner P, Dogan B (2026). Allergy.