New Evidence of Microplastics in the Lower Respiratory Tract: Inhalation through Smoking

Abstract

To investigate the relation of smoking and microplastic inhalation, we conducted a prospective study combining population-based and experimental work. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from 17 smokers and 15 nonsmokers were collected in Zhuhai City, China. We simulated an active smoking model to explore the contribution of smoking to inhaled microplastics. The characteristics of microplastics in BALF samples and cigarette smoke were determined using laser direct infrared spectroscopy. We compared the differences between smokers and nonsmokers as well as between cigarette smoke and control groups. Microplastics were identified positive in all BALF samples. Smokers had higher concentrations of total microplastics (25.86 particles/g), polyurethane (11.34 particles/g), and silicone (1.15 particles/g) than nonsmokers. In the cigarette smoking simulation model, higher concentrations of total microplastics (9.99 particles/L), polyurethane (4.66 particles/L), and silicone (2.78 particles/L) were present in the cigarette smoke than those in the control group. We confirmed and extended the evidence on the presence of microplastics in the lower respiratory tract. These findings also provide new evidence on the relation between cigarette smoking and microplastic inhalation.