Microplastics have been discovered in the lungs of more than 50 bird species in China, pointing to widespread airborne contamination that may also affect human health.
Gary Fuller reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Scientists examined lung tissue from birds killed in airport wildlife control programs and found microplastics in every sample, averaging 416 particles per gram.
- Larger birds and those with carnivorous or omnivorous diets showed higher contamination, likely due to foraging in polluted areas.
- Researchers identified 32 plastic types, including polyethylene and butadiene rubber, which may stem from tire wear near roads and runways.
Key quote:
“This widespread contamination highlights the pervasive nature of airborne plastic pollution. This is a global problem, like plastics in our oceans.”
— Shane DuBay, University of Texas at Arlington and member of the research team
Why this matters:
Airborne microplastics, long associated with ocean pollution, are now emerging as a threat closer to home: the air we breathe. Recent studies reveal that these microscopic plastic particles are showing up in the bodies of birds, suggesting that they, and likely we, are inhaling them regularly. Generated by the wear and tear of tires on roads, the breakdown of packaging, and the shedding of synthetic textiles, microplastics are becoming an unavoidable presence in both cityscapes and remote landscapes.
Scientists are increasingly concerned about the potential health effects. Inhaled microplastics have been found lodged in lung tissue, where they may trigger inflammation or contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular problems. While much of the early focus on microplastics centered on fish and marine life, this new evidence underscores a broader environmental crisis — one that blurs the line between pollution "out there" and what’s directly affecting our bodies.
Related: Airborne plastic chemicals are polluting our homes and bodies
