Inhalable microplastics, a hidden toxin worsening the air in our cities, PgII

Key Highlights:

• Research reveals presence of inhalable microplastics (smaller than 10 micrometers) in the air in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
• Average concentration of inhalable microplastics is estimated at 8.8 g/m3, meaning residents inhale about 132 micrograms daily.
• Inhalable microplastics can carry toxic co-pollutants like heavy metals and harmful fungi with antibiotic-resistance genes.
• Winter evenings show a 74% increase in inhalable microplastic concentration compared to non-winter evenings.
• Delhi and Kolkata have higher concentrations of inhalable microplastics (14.18 g/m3 and 14.23 g/m3 respectively) compared to Mumbai and Chennai.

Detailed Insights:

• Atmospheric pollution includes criteria pollutants and emerging contaminants like inhalable microplastics, exacerbated by high plastic production.
• Inhalable microplastics can bypass natural defenses, penetrate deep into the lungs, and pose a chronic risk to public health.
• These particles act as Trojan horses, carrying heavy metals like lead and cadmium, and hormone-disrupting compounds.
• Exposure to contaminated inhalable microplastics is associated with a higher risk of cancer, hormone-related diseases, and respiratory illnesses.
• Meteorological conditions, urban population density, and waste mismanagement contribute to the concentration of inhalable microplastics.
• Common sources of microplastics include synthetic textiles, packaging, tyre wear, household release, cosmetics, and construction.
• Policy reforms are needed to protect vulnerable groups like traffic police and laborers from carcinogenic tyre-wear particles.
• Measures like banning single-use plastics, promoting cotton-based clothing, and improving waste management can help mitigate the problem.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Microplastics: Small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in length.
• Particulate Matter (PM2.5 & PM10): Tiny airborne pollutants that can be inhaled and cause respiratory problems.
• Air Quality Index (AQI): A measure of air quality based on criteria pollutants, with different levels indicating varying health risks.