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Microplastics in the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Chinese Children: Associations with Age, City Development, and
Chunzhao Chen1,2, Fang Liu3, Shuting Quan4
1Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519000, China.
Abstract:
This study characterized the occurrence patterns of microplastics (MPs) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of children with pulmonary diseases. MPs were detected in 89.6% of BALF samples with an average of 4.31 ± 2.77 items/10 mL, supporting the hypothesis that inhalation is a significant pathway of airborne MP exposure to pediatric lungs. Inhaled MPs were predominantly composed of 10 polymer types [e.g., polypropylene (41.9%), polyethylene (19.4%), and polyester (13.6%)], with the majority being smaller than 20 μm. MP levels in BALF exhibited a negative correlation with children's age, probably owing to the preferential crawling and tumbling actions in indoor environments and underdeveloped immune systems of young children. Participants living in urban areas suffered from higher pulmonary MP exposure, likely due to higher environmental levels, compared with suburban/rural residents (P < 0.05). Although no significant differences were found between MP levels in pediatric lungs with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and asthma (P > 0.05), the severe CAP group displayed significantly higher MP contamination than the nonsevere group (P < 0.05), indicating that some yet undiscovered relationship(s) between inhaled MPs and pediatric pulmonary diseases may exist.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in children's lungs, detected in 89.6% of samples. Inhaled MPs, mainly small polymers, were higher in younger children and urban dwellers, suggesting a link to pediatric pulmonary diseases.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global concern.
- Exposure routes, particularly inhalation, are increasingly recognized.
- The impact of airborne MPs on pediatric respiratory health remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize microplastic occurrence in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from children with pulmonary diseases.
- To identify polymer types, sizes, and factors influencing MP levels in pediatric lungs.
- To explore potential correlations between MP exposure and pediatric pulmonary conditions.
Main Methods:
- Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected from pediatric patients.
- Microplastics were extracted and characterized using analytical techniques.
- Statistical analyses were performed to assess MP levels and influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Microplastics were detected in 89.6% of BALF samples (average 4.31 ± 2.77 items/10 mL).
- Predominant polymers included polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester; most MPs were <20 μm.
- Higher MP levels were observed in younger children, urban residents, and severe community-acquired pneumonia cases.
Conclusions:
- Inhalation is a significant pathway for airborne MP exposure in pediatric lungs.
- Age and urban living are associated with increased pulmonary MP burden in children.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the relationship between inhaled MPs and pediatric pulmonary diseases.
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