Tires and decaying waste are releasing tiny plastic particles into the atmosphere, leading to a type of air pollution that researchers from UC San Francisco believe could be linked to respiratory issues and other health problems.
Tires and decaying waste are releasing tiny plastic particles into the atmosphere, leading to a type of air pollution that UC San Francisco researchers believe could be linked to respiratory issues and other health problems.
A comprehensive review of approximately 3,000 studies suggests that these particles are associated with a range of serious health concerns. These issues span from infertility in both sexes to colon cancer and diminished lung performance. Furthermore, these particles might also play a role in chronic lung inflammation, which can elevate the risk of lung cancer.
“These microplastics are effectively particulate matter pollution, which we know can be detrimental to health,” stated Tracey J. Woodruff, PhD, MPH, a professor in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at UCSF.
Woodruff oversees the Program on Reproductive Health & the Environment (PRHE) and is the lead author of the study, set to be published on December 18 in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Small particles, significant issues
Microplastics, which measure less than 5 millimeters (smaller than a grain of rice), are found throughout our environment. Each year, global production of plastic reaches nearly 460 million metric tons, a figure expected to climb to 1.1 billion by 2050.
A key contributor to airborne plastic is vehicle usage. As tires wear down due to friction with road surfaces, they release plastic shards into the air.
This paper represents the first thorough review of microplastics utilizing the highest standard methods endorsed by the National Academy of Sciences.
While most studies included in the review focused on animals, the researchers indicated that the findings likely extend to humans, as both groups experience similar exposures.
The research builds upon a report developed last year in collaboration with the California State Policy Evidence Consortium (CalSPEC), which consists of experts from the UC system and aims to inform policymakers in California’s State Legislature.
“We strongly encourage regulatory agencies and policymakers to recognize the increasing evidence of health risks associated with microplastics, including colon and lung cancers,” commented Nicholas Chartres, PhD.
Chartres, the principal author of the study, led the science and policy team at PRHE and is currently at the University of Sydney. “We hope state leaders will take prompt action to minimize further exposure.”
