A study by the University of Texas in Arlington has detected high levels of microplastic in the lungs of wild birds: what does this discovery really mean? What implications does it have for the environment and for human health? And above all, what can we do to counter this phenomenon?
Microplastics: an invisible but pervasive pollution
Scientists ofTexas University They conducted an in -depth investigation on the presence of microplastics in the lungs of wild birds, examining fifty -six specimens belonging to fifty -one different species. The pulmonary fabric samples were taken from birds found near the Chengdu Tianfu international airport in China, an area characterized by an intense human activity and high levels of air pollution.
To analyze the chemical composition of the fabrics and identify any contaminants, the researchers have made use of the latest generation tools, including mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy.
The results that emerged from the investigation are significant. On average, each species analyzed had 221 particles foreign in the lungs, with a maximum recorded of 416 particles per gram of lung tissue.
These data, in addition to confirming the ubiquitous diffusion of synthetic residues in the atmosphere, raise questions about the effects that these materials can have on the health of wildlife and, by reflected, also on man.
The high concentration of fiber and plastic fragments in the lungs of animals that share with us the same habitats suggests that the contamination of the air is more pervasive than as hypothesized so far. If these particles manage to penetrate so deeply in the respiratory system of birds, it is legitimate to ask themselves what the real level of exposure for human beings who live and work in the same areas is.
In this regard, the Biology professor Shane Dubay, co-author of the study, explained: «Birds are key indicators of the state of environmental health. Their presence everywhere in the world and their sharing of habitats with human beings allow us to evaluate the level of air pollution and to anticipate potential risks for public health “. But what are the health risks?
When the air we breathe also hurts
A study conducted in 2022 estimated that a human being inhales annually between 74 thousand and 121 thousand plastic microparticles.
Although there is still no security threshold for exposure to these substances, the scientific community has already identified a correlation between their presence in the body and an increased risk of different pathologies.
Their accumulation in respiratory tissue could, for example, encourage the development of asthma, chronic bronchitis and obstructive lung diseases, similarly to what asbestos observed, whose effects on human health often manifest themselves after decades of exposure. In some cases, the presence of microscopic particles in the lungs has been connected to fibrosis phenomena, a condition in which the lung tissue gradually stiffens, compromising respiratory capacity.
But the harmful action of these substances is not limited to the lungs. Once inhaled, these particles can cross the cell membranes and penetrate the circulatory system, contributing to the formation of blood clots and systemic inflammations. This phenomenon can increase the risk of cardiovascular pathologies, including atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.
A further aspect not to be underestimated concerns their impact on the endocrine system. Some microplastics contain toxic chemical additives, such as Bisfenol A (BPA) and the phthalatesknown to alter hormonal regulation and compromise fertility.
Although the research is still ongoing, there is the suspicion that the accumulation of these particles in tissues may encourage tumor processes, in particular at the pulmonary and gastrointestinal level, exactly as it happens for asbestos fibers, responsible for the onset of mesotheliomas and lung carcinomas.
Faced with these data, Dubay underlined the need for immediate intervention: “Our results show how urgent it is to deal with the problem of’plastic pollution in the’air. These contaminants have long -term impacts not only on biodiversity, but also on human health».
What can we do to counteract pollution from microplastics?
Countering pollution from microplastics requires an articulated and far -sighted strategy, capable of dealing with the problem in all its facets. Limiting the production of US plastic with without a first step is necessary to reduce the accumulation of waste in the environment.
Replacing highly polluting materials with biodegradable and compostable alternatives could curb the dispersion of harmful particles and encourage a more sustainable production cycle.
However, the simple prohibition of certain products is not enough: regulations should impose more rigid standards of industries, binding them to a responsible use of plastic and encouraging them to develop innovative materials with less environmental impact.
Another fundamental pillar concerns waste management. The current disposal system has numerous flaws, which allow enormous plastic quantities to escape recycling and degrade in micro and nanoplastics.
The implementation of more efficient infrastructures and the adoption of advanced technologies for the treatment of waste would allow to drastically reduce the dispersion of polluting particles. Avoid combustion of plastic, often used as a method of disposal in countries with poor resources, is equally essential, since this free micropartic process in the air, further aggravating air pollution.
An often neglected aspect concerns thetextile industry. The clothing in synthetic fibers release billions of plastic particles with each wash, contaminating the water And, indirectly, the air. The regulation of this sector should provide for the use of alternative materials to lower environmental impact, in addition to the obligation to integrate devices in the exhaust systems capable of intercepting the fibers before they reach water ecosystems.
Absolute priorities
The monitoring of air pollution represents another absolute priority. Without a precise mapping of the spread of microplastics in the air, it is impossible to fully understand the impact on human health and ecosystems.
Investing in increasingly sophisticated analysis technologies would allow to identify the areas most exposed to contamination and to intervene with targeted measures.
At the same time, the establishment of epidemiological databases could prove to be decisive to identify any correlations between the AQ exposure these harmful substances and the onset of respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic pathologies.
In addition to regulatory and technological interventions, a collective awareness must be promoted. Citizenship plays a decisive role in the fight against pollution from microplastics, since every daily choice affects the level of environmental contamination.
The dissemination of information campaigns and educational programs can help change consumer habits, directing the population towards more sustainable choices. Reduce the plastic demand, avoid the purchase of products with superfluous packaging and privilege clothing in natural fibers constitute individual actions which, if adopted on a large scale, could make the difference.
Sources
Wang et al., Journal of Hazardous Materials (2025)
Prata et al., Microplastics and Human Health (2020)
Galloway et al., Plastic Pollution and Endocrine Disruption (2017)
Vianello et al., Microplastics in the Human Respiratory System (2022)