Can breathing in microplastics scar your lungs?
Possibly. A 2025 study found that inhaled micro- and nanoplastics of different polymer types and sizes all increased the risk of pulmonary fibrosis.
What's actually in it
Indoor air contains microplastics and nanoplastics from synthetic clothing, plastic packaging, carpets, and furniture. You inhale them with every breath. Different plastic types (polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene) behave differently in lung tissue.
What the research says
A 2025 comparative study in Toxicology tested multiple polymer types and sizes for their ability to cause lung fibrosis. All tested plastics increased fibrosis risk, but smaller nanoplastics and certain polymer types were more damaging.
Use a HEPA air purifier and vacuum regularly. Choose natural-fiber clothing and reduce plastic household items.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Microplastics and nanoplastics, emerging pollutants, increased the risk of pulmonary fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. | Toxicology | 2025 |
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