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Microplastics in the Lung Tissues Associated with Blood Test Index
Shuguang Wang1,2, Wenfeng Lu1,2, Qingdong Cao3
1State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) have received a lot of attention and have been detected in multiple environmental matrices as a new environmental hazard, but studies on human internal exposure to MPs are limited. Here, we collected lung tissue samples from 12 nonsmoking patients to evaluate the characteristics of MPs in human lung tissues using an Agilent 8700 laser infrared imaging spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy. We detected 108 MPs covering 12 types in the lung tissue samples, with a median concentration of 2.19 particles/g. Most of the MPs (88.89%) were sized between 20 to 100 μm. Polypropylene accounts for 34.26% of the MPs in the lung tissues, followed by polyethylene terephthalate (21.30%) and polystyrene (8.33%). Compared with males and those living far from a major road (≥300 m), females and those living near the main road (<300 m) had higher levels of MPs in lung tissues, which positively correlated with platelet (PLT), thrombocytocrit, fibrinogen (FIB), and negatively related with direct bilirubin (DB). These findings help confirm the presence in the respiratory system and suggest the potential sources and health effects of inhaled MPs.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) are present in human lungs, with higher concentrations found in females and those near major roads. Inhaled MPs correlate with specific blood markers, suggesting potential health impacts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Human Health
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants detected widely.
- Human internal exposure to MPs, particularly in the respiratory system, is under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize MPs in human lung tissues.
- To investigate potential sources and health implications of inhaled MPs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of lung tissue samples from 12 nonsmoking patients.
- Utilized Agilent 8700 laser infrared imaging spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy.
- Quantified MP types, sizes, and concentrations.
Main Results:
- Detected 108 MPs (12 types) with a median concentration of 2.19 particles/g.
- Most MPs (88.89%) were 20-100 μm; polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene were most abundant.
- Higher MP levels in females and individuals near roads; correlations found with blood parameters (PLT, FIB, DB).
Conclusions:
- Confirms the presence of microplastics in the human respiratory system.
- Suggests proximity to roads and female sex as factors associated with higher lung MP burden.
- Highlights potential health effects linked to inhaled MPs through correlations with blood markers.
