A growing body of research suggests that microscopic plastic particles in the air may be contributing to various health problems, including lung and colon cancers. The tiny pieces of plastic, smaller than a grain of rice, are shed from tires and degrading garbage, creating a form of air pollution not well understood.
According to researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, nearly 460 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with this number projected to increase to 1.1 billion by 2050. A major source of airborne plastic is driving, which releases microplastics into the atmosphere as tires wear down against road surfaces.
A recent review of over 3,000 studies found that airborne microplastics can cause cancer, lung problems, and infertility in humans. Although most of these studies used animals, researchers believe the findings likely apply to humans. The lead researcher emphasizes the need for regulatory agencies and policy leaders to consider the growing evidence of health harms from microplastics.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80% of plastic waste ends up in the ocean, but this study highlights the significant impact of microplastic air pollution on human health. As the production of plastic continues to rise, it is essential for policymakers and regulators to take immediate action to prevent further exposures to these tiny pollutants.
Source: https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-12-18/are-microplastics-in-the-air-putting-your-fertility-at-risk