A recent review of 3,000 studies conducted by UCSF researchers highlights the serious health risks associated with microplastics in the air, particularly those emanating from tires and waste. These tiny particles, measuring less than 5 millimeters, are pervasive in the environment and linked to significant health issues, including infertility in both men and women, lung dysfunction, colon cancer, and chronic pulmonary inflammation that may increase lung cancer risk. The study’s lead author, Dr. Nicholas Chartres, emphasized the need for regulatory agencies to address the growing evidence of harm caused by microplastics. Tracey J. Woodruff, a professor at UCSF, underscores the harmful nature of particulate matter air pollution. With the global production of plastic expected to soar from 460 million metric tons to 1.1 billion by 2050, tire degradation is a major contributor to airborne microplastics. While most studies in the review focused on animal subjects, the researchers suggest that the implications likely extend to humans. The findings advocate for immediate action from policymakers to mitigate exposure to these pollutants, which are already a pressing public health concern. The study was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
