Microplastics in the Air Linked to Cancer Risks

A recent study from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), highlights alarming health risks associated with airborne microplastics, SciTech Daily reported yesterday. The comprehensive review analyzed around 3,000 studies, revealing that tiny plastic particles, primarily from tires and degrading waste, could contribute to serious health issues, including infertility, colon cancer, and lung problems.

Tracey J. Woodruff, a UCSF professor, emphasized that these microplastics act as particulate matter pollution, known to be harmful to health. The research indicates a potential link between microplastic exposure and chronic pulmonary inflammation, which may increase lung cancer risk.

The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, calls for urgent action from regulatory agencies to address the growing evidence of health threats posed by microplastics. With global plastic production projected to rise significantly, researchers urge policymakers to implement measures to reduce exposure and protect public health.