New evidence of the presence of micro- and nanoplastic particles in bronchioalveolar lavage samples of clinical trial subjects.

ABSTRACT

This is the first study reporting the presence of airborne nano-sized plastic particles in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples of patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy. The results represent the plastic pollution content in the lower airways of the residents of Northern Europe. Airborne micro- and nanoplastic particles (MP/NPs) are widely dispersed worldwide and intrude on human organisms to various extents, with the respiratory tract being the first line of exposure. The amounts of inhaled MP/NPs, their fate in the human respiratory tract, and the effects on the health of human airways and other exposed organs remain largely unknown. In this clinical study, human BALF samples were assessed by means of optical and transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDX). Results show that MP/NPs levels vary in the interval of 0.14-12.8 particles per 100 ml of BALF and are present in all samples tested, mainly in a fragmented form. External pollution by MP/NPs was excluded by carefully choosing methodology and equipment. This finding is a timely addition of valuable information and stimulates further research into the biological effects of inhaled MP/NPs.