Stealing your breath: Can microplastics damage your lungs? 

Did you know, everyday items like clothes, packaging and furniture shed tiny plastic particles from the moment they’re created?

Suchitra Pilli, MD, director of Interventional Pulmonology at HonorHealth Heart Care, reveals how inhaling these microplastics can wreak havoc on your lungs, the symptoms to watch for and what you can do to minimize your exposure.

Every breath you take

“We’re just beginning to understand what this exposure means for our health,” says Dr. Pilli. “Early studies suggest microplastics can cause chronic inflammation in the lungs and other tissues. Over time, that inflammation may contribute to respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease and potentially other conditions we haven’t even identified yet.”

While research is still unfolding, being aware is the first step. At HonorHealth, we’re here to help you understand the risks and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

How do microplastics affect your lungs?

Because these particles are so small, they can travel down your airway and settle deep into your lungs without you noticing. Once inside the body, your immune system recognizes them as foreign invaders and attacks. This can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress (an imbalance in your cells), and even cause scarring in the lung tissue — a condition known as fibrosis. Over time, it can start to affect how well your lungs work.

Symptoms can include:

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Asthma-like flare-ups
• Reduced lung capacity

While research is ongoing, early findings suggest it’s important to take microplastics seriously, especially if you already have a respiratory condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The good news: You can reduce your risk

There are steps you can take to limit your exposure to microplastics and improve the air quality in your home.

• Let it flow: When the cooler Arizona weather comes, open your windows to let fresh air circulate and dilute any indoor pollutants.
• Air out your problems: Consider using a HEPA filter in your air conditioning system or a portable air purifier. High-quality HEPA filters can capture a significant percentage of microplastic particles, along with other allergens and irritants.
• Pass on the plastics: Choose natural fibers for rugs and clothing, avoid excessive plastic packaging and vacuum frequently using a HEPA filter.
• Call in the experts: If you have respiratory symptoms like a chronic cough, wheezing, and throat irritation that don’t improve, talk to your doctor.

Clearing the air for a cleaner future

Though household plastics have been around for decades, the medical community is just beginning to understand the long-term effects of breathing them in. “We can’t solve the problem of microplastics overnight, but we can take steps to protect ourselves and our families,” says Dr. Pilli. “Just as we make choices every day about what we eat and drink, we can also choose to breathe smarter — and easier.”