Microplastic particles intensify allergic inflammation in mouse study

Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna, led by Michelle Epstein, found that inhaled polyethylene‑terephthalate (PET) microplastic particles remain in mouse lungs for at least 14 days and trigger airway inflammation. When combined with ragweed pollen, the particles amplified the inflammatory response. Additional experiments showed systemic changes in antibody reactions to other allergens.

The findings, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, highlight a potential health risk of widespread environmental microplastic exposure, though the results are limited to mouse models and require further human research.