A new study by Indian researchers has revealed a concerning escalation in Delhi’s air pollution crisis, with microplastics found in airborne particulate matter. The study highlights that adults in the national capital inhale nearly twice as many microplastic particles during the summer as they do in winter. The average daily exposure jumped by 97%, rising from 10.7 particles in colder months to 21.1 during the hotter season.
Types of Microplastics and Health Risks
The study, conducted by scientists from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, and Savitribai Phule Pune University, found a total of 2,087 microplastics in particulate samples from across Delhi. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic commonly used in bottles and food packaging, was the most prevalent type, making up 41% of the particles. Other types included polyethylene (27%), polyester (18%), polystyrene (9%), and PVC (5%).
While a safe threshold for microplastic inhalation has not yet been established, the study warns that constant exposure could lead to serious health issues, including bronchitis, pneumonia, lung inflammation, and cancer. The study noted that while adults have the highest intake rates due to greater daily inhalation volumes, the health risk could be more significant for young children and infants because of their developing respiratory systems and higher breathing rates.
The Global Microplastic Menace
The presence of microplastics in Delhi’s air reflects a growing global crisis. With plastic production skyrocketing from 1.5 million tonnes in the 1950s to over 400 million tonnes in 2022, microplastics tiny pieces of plastic smaller than five millimeters have now been found in every corner of the planet, from the Mariana Trench to Mount Everest.
They have also infiltrated human bodies, found in the brain and placenta, underscoring their widespread infiltration into our environment and our physiology. A recent study by France’s food safety agency even found that glass bottles contain more microplastics than plastic ones, challenging long-held assumptions about plastic’s role in contamination.