In a disturbing new revelation, scientists have found that humans may be inhaling more than 68,000 microplastic particles every day mostly while sitting inside cars or staying indoors. The findings, published in the journal PLOS One by researchers in France, expose a hidden yet rapidly growing health threat: plastic pollution in the air we breathe.
According to the study, the air inside cars contains about 2,238 microplastic particles per cubic metre, making it one of the most concentrated indoor spaces. These particles, often smaller than 10 micrometres, are invisible to the naked eye but can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
How Microplastics Harm Human Health
Scientists are increasingly concerned about the toxic effects of inhaled microplastics. These particles often carry harmful chemicals like phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and heavy metals, which are known to interfere with hormones, damage cells, and weaken the immune system.
Long-term exposure to airborne microplastics has been linked to:
•Respiratory issues such as asthma, chronic cough, and lung inflammation
•Cardiovascular problems due to particles entering the bloodstream
•Hormonal disruption, especially in children and pregnant women
•Increased cancer risk from chemicals leaching off the plastic surface
•Neurological effects, including reduced cognitive function with chronic exposure
•Weakened immunity by triggering oxidative stress and inflammation
Plastic Indoors: A Hidden Threat
While oceans, rivers, and soil contamination by plastic waste have been widely reported, indoor air pollution by microplastics has gone largely unnoticed. Synthetic fabrics, carpets, packaging materials, plastic furniture, and vehicle interiors constantly shed tiny plastic fragments, which accumulate in enclosed, poorly ventilated environments.
The danger is even greater in cars, where materials like plastic dashboards, polyester seat covers, and air filters can significantly raise the amount of suspended particles. And with urban lifestyles increasingly dependent on cars and closed spaces, daily exposure continues to climb.
A Wake-Up Call for Cleaner Indoor Spaces
Researchers and health experts now urge immediate steps to tackle this silent threat. Recommendations include:
•Improving indoor ventilation
•Reducing plastic-based household items
•Using natural alternatives like cotton, jute, and bamboo
•Encouraging carmakers to adopt low-emission materials
•Creating stronger regulations on indoor air quality
This study is a reminder that plastic pollution is not only a marine crisis it’s becoming a personal health emergency. The air we breathe inside our homes and vehicles may be silently loading our bodies with toxic plastic, making it urgent to rethink how we live, build, and commute in a plastic-filled world.