Research by UC San Francisco has found a potential link between breathing in microplastics and serious illnesses, including colon cancer. The study discovered that tiny pieces of plastic shed from tires worn down by friction while driving on roadways can become airborne pollution. Microplastic particles are small enough to be less than 5 millimeters in size, similar to the size of a grain of rice.
The research suggests microplastics may contribute to health problems such as colon cancer and chronic lung inflammation, increasing the risk of lung cancer. The study’s findings have prompted calls for regulatory agencies to take action against microplastic pollution, with researchers urging policy leaders to consider the growing evidence linking microplastics to health harms, including colon and lung cancer.
Source: https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/ucsf-microplastics-in-air-may-cause-cancer