Breathing Plastic

The document highlights that micro- and nanoplastics are ubiquitous atmospheric pollutants that can travel thousands of kilometers, leading to significant human inhalation. It details how these particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the vascular system, acting as vectors for toxic chemicals. The report links exposure to various respiratory, metabolic, and reproductive health issues and calls for a legally binding international agreement to address the full life cycle of plastics.

• Micro- and nanoplastics are ubiquitous pollutants that use the atmosphere as a fast transport pathway, allowing them to cover thousands of kilometers in days or weeks and reach remote areas.
• Inhalation is a primary route of human exposure to plastics, with estimates suggesting individuals may inhale up to 22 million micro- and nanoplastics annually, and concentrations reaching 5,700 particles per cubic meter.
• The biological impact of inhaled plastics depends on particle size: particles larger than 5 μm trap in upper airways, those between 1-5 μm deposit deep in the lungs, and those under 1 μm can reach pulmonary alveoli or enter the vascular system.
• Airborne microplastics act as a "Trojan Horse," using their hydrophobic nature and large surface areas to carry and deliver harmful substances and pathogens into the human body.
• Chronic exposure to inhaled plastic particles is linked to a wide range of adverse health effects, including asthma-like reactions, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, interstitial lung diseases, and autoimmune diseases.
• Exposure to the chemical compounds within microplastics is associated with severe systemic health issues, including neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, autism), hormonal diseases, type 2 diabetes, and reproductive health impacts such as preterm birth and reduced sperm quality.

APA

Center for International Environmental Law (n.d.). Breathing Plastic. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Breathing-Plastic-Summary.pdf

Chicago

Center for International Environmental Law. Breathing Plastic. n.d. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Breathing-Plastic-Summary.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Center for International Environmental Law |title=Breathing Plastic |url=https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Breathing-Plastic-Summary.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{centerforinternationalenvironmentallawndbreathing, author = {{Center for International Environmental Law}}, title = {{Breathing Plastic}}, institution = {Center for International Environmental Law}, url = {https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Breathing-Plastic-Summary.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }