Microplastics linked to higher lung cancer risk in new research

Research presented by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) indicates a correlation between the presence of microplastics in the lungs and an increased risk of lung cancer. Scientists conducted studies on 100 individuals using bronchoscopy, lung lavage, and tissue sampling to detect plastic particles.

Findings revealed that 70 percent of the subjects had detectable microplastics in at least one sample, with a total of 232 particles identified. Notably, patients who were later diagnosed with lung cancer showed higher concentrations of microplastics compared to those who did not receive a cancer diagnosis. According to the study, lung cancer patients have a 66 percent higher probability of having microplastics in their lungs than healthy individuals.