You likely know that the air you breathe inside or outside is never truly clean. The majority of what we know about pollution is that it is caused by our use and dependence on fossil fuels like natural gas, coal and gasoline. Additionally, scientists are now warning that we are breathing in much more than that. They suggest that we are ingesting microplastic particles with every breath we take. This can be dangerous to our respiratory systems. Here’s what you need to know about the plastic in our air.

Microparticle Pollution

What is it?

Generally, particle pollution is literal solid particles in liquid droplets surrounding us in the air. It’s similar to how acid rain is suspended in the air. Particle pollution can be polluted by any number of pollutants. We breathe this in no matter where we are, just like seasonal allergies. Some of the particles are large and some are smaller. So, we are often breathing in pollutants without knowing it. In fact, most pollutants are undetectable unless there is a sample to be examined under a microscope.

Plastics

Of particular concern is a recent finding that we are breathing in microplastic particles filled with chemicals. How can this be happening undetected? Unfortunately, there is plastic in many of our items from clothes to cleaning products and cosmetics. These eventually either end up in a landfill or down our sinks. It eventually ends up back into our atmosphere, returning to us while we breathe.

Health Implications

While it’s still too early to know the full repercussions it will have on our health, we do know that it will impact us negatively. Ingesting plastics will have an impact on our hormones and can be toxic.

Respiratory System

What we breathe in goes to our lungs and our entire respiratory system. Research is finding that it can cause asthma, COPD, pneumonia and allergies. These can cause respiratory issues or exacerbate them.

Cardiovascular System

Air pollution can cause inflammation long and short term to the cardiovascular system. It may also lead to high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and heart disease.

Pollution anywhere is a serious issue. It’s important to treat any signs of inflammation to your respiratory or cardiovascular system immediately. If you are having respiratory concerns - see a specialist at PulseAir Heart and Lung Centre!