Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, can be as fine as baby powder, with some particles being even smaller, down to a few micrometers or nanometers. Their small size allows them to be easily carried by the wind and inhaled into the human respiratory system, much like fine dust particles. Key sources of microplastics in the atmosphere include the shedding of fibers from synthetic textiles, wear and tear from vehicle tires, and industrial processes that produce or handle plastic materials. Open burning of plastic waste and marine aerosols also contribute to airborne microplastic pollution. These particles are capable of traveling long distances through atmospheric currents, reaching even remote regions far from their original source.
Previous clinical research has identified microplastics in human lungs, raising concerns about their potential to penetrate other parts of the body, such as the brain. This study builds on those findings, exploring whether microplastics can bypass protective barriers and reach critical areas of the brain, such as the olfactory bulb.