Identification of human exposure to airborne micro-plastics and its potential effects utilizing bronchoalveolar...

Airborne micro-plastics can be inhaled and remain in the lower respiratory tract due to their small size and tendency to remain in the air in turn posing a lethal threat to human life. Therefore, it is of interest to detect airborne micro-plastics in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and to assess their association with lung function, airway inflammatory cell profile and respiratory tract symptoms in adult subjects with indiscernible symptoms. BAL fluid samples of ninety-two adults were collected using strict contamination-controlled protocols and filtered via filters with a 0.45 µm membrane. Pulmonary function was assessed using spirometry in accordance with ATS guidelines. 69 (75%) respondents reported the presence of airborne micro-plastics in BAL fluid. Respondents with micro-plastics in BAL exhibited lower FEV₁, FVC and FEV₁/FVC ratios compared with micro-plastic-negative participants (p < 0.001). Data helps to comprehend the ill effects of micro-plastics on respiratory health.