Why in the news?

• A recent study has investigated the presence of inhalable microplastics across four Indian cities.

Inhalable Microplastics

• What is it?: They are minuscule airborne plastic particles, smaller than 10 micrometres (µm), that remain suspended in the air and can be inhaled into the lungs, unlike larger microplastics.
• Sources: Synthetic clothes (polyester), Vehicular wear and tear, plastic packaging, paints, cosmetics, and waste burning.
• Exposure:
  • Concentrations are comparatively higher indoors because of poor ventilation and the presence of enclosed plastic materials.
  • Levels surge during winter evenings, with concentrations increasing by 74%, intensifying smog conditions.
• Health Risks:
  • Higher risk of cancer, hormone-related diseases, breast problems as well as respiratory illness.
  • Co-pollutants include heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, along with hormone-disrupting chemicals like diethyl phthalates.
  • Can carry microbes like Aspergillus fumigatus, which contain Antimicrobial Resistance genes- Can lead to Antibiotic resistance risk.

Source: The Hindu