Microplastics hinder lungs' ability to fight off diseases

BREATHING in microplastics may be wreaking havoc in our lungs as they disrupt the immune system, a study found.

- By Hanna Geissler Health Editor

Research revealed that inhaled particles suppressed the action of white blood cells known as pulmonary macrophages.

Described as “immune housekeepers”, the cells devour pathogens and help to clear away dead lung cells, which can cause chronic inflammation if left to accumulate.

For the study, researchers cultured macrophages and exposed them to different sizes and concentrations of microplastics.