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Evidence of Microplastics in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid among Never-Smokers: A Prospective Case Series
Lan Qiu1,2, Wenfeng Lu1,2, Changli Tu3
1State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) are abundant in air, but evidence of their deposition in the respiratory tract is limited. We conducted a prospective case series to investigate the deposition of microplastics in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and determine the internal dose of MPs via inhalation. Eighteen never-smokers aged 32-74 years who underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy with BALF were recruited from Zhuhai, China. Control samples were obtained by performing the same procedure using isotonic saline instead of BALF. Laser direct infrared spectroscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy detected the presence and characteristics of MPs and quantitatively analyzed the microplastic in BALF and control samples. Concentrations of total and specific MPs in BALF and control samples were compared using the Wilcox test. Thirteen types of MPs were observed in 18 BALF samples. Polyethylene (PE, 86.1%) was the most abundant in BALF, followed by poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET, 7.5%) and polypropylene (PP, 1.9%). Compared with the control samples, BALF had significantly higher concentrations of PE (median [IQR] of BALF: 0.38 [8.05] N/g), PET (0.26 [0.54] N/g), polyurethane (0.16 [0.24] N/g), PP (0.16 [0.11] N/g), and total MPs (0.91 [6.58] N/g). The presence of MPs in BALF provides novel evidence that MPs penetrate deep into the respiratory tract.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) are found deep in the respiratory tract, with polyethylene being the most common type detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). This study provides new evidence of MP penetration into the human respiratory system.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly prevalent in the environment, including air.
- Limited evidence exists regarding the deposition of MPs within the human respiratory tract.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of microplastics in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).
- To determine the internal dose of microplastics inhaled by humans.
- To provide evidence of microplastic deposition deep within the respiratory system.
Main Methods:
- A prospective case series involving 18 never-smokers who underwent bronchoscopy with BALF collection.
- Analysis of BALF and control samples using laser direct infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
- Quantitative analysis of microplastic types and concentrations.
Main Results:
- Thirteen types of microplastics were identified in 18 BALF samples.
- Polyethylene (PE) was the most abundant MP (86.1%), followed by PET (7.5%) and PP (1.9%).
- BALF samples showed significantly higher concentrations of PE, PET, polyurethane, PP, and total MPs compared to control samples.
Conclusions:
- This study presents novel evidence that microplastics penetrate deep into the human respiratory tract.
- The findings highlight the potential for respiratory exposure to microplastics.
- Further research is needed to understand the health implications of respiratory microplastic deposition.
