Effects of microplastics on allergic airways and potential pathogenesis: a review

Plastic is widely used in production and daily life. At every stage of its circulation, plastic continuously decomposes into microplastic, and microplastic pollution has increasingly become a global concern for the environment. There is considerable evidence that microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment and can enter the human body through a variety of pathways, posing a threat to human health. These substances can be detected in the respiratory tract and lungs, and prolonged exposure to microplastics can adversely affect the respiratory tract and lead to disease. Furthermore, research has indicated that microplastics are toxic, affecting airway epithelial cell metabolism, disrupting epithelial barrier integrity, and making the airway highly reactive. However, the effect of microplastics on the allergic airway has received little attention. In this paper, we review the toxicity of microplastics and analyze their effects on the allergic airway, exploring the potential mechanisms of action of microplastics in allergic airway inflammation.