Microplastics from vehicle tyres leading to lung and colon cancer: Study

Microplastics have dominated our space and how. There's enough scientific evidence to show that microplastics have been found in almost every organ of the body including the heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, and even placenta.

The health risks of microplastics in our systems are not just linked to various illnesses. A new study has found that these tiny plastics, which are present in the air, have been connected with lung and colon cancers.

Tiny plastic particles, shed from tyres and degrading plastic waste, are becoming a significant air pollution concern and may be linked to serious health risks, according to a recent study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

These microplastics, smaller than a grain of rice, are now being found in the air we breathe, raising alarms about their impact on respiratory and overall health.

The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, reviewed around 3,000 research papers and identified potential links between airborne microplastics and health conditions such as infertility, colon cancer, poor lung function, and chronic pulmonary inflammation.

These tiny particles can penetrate deep into lung tissues and may create an environment conducive to DNA damage and cell mutations, both of which are key factors in cancer development.

How microplastics enter the air

Every year, nearly 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced globally, and this number is expected to double by 2050. A major source of airborne microplastics is tyre and road wear caused by friction while driving. Over time, these particles enter the air, and impact human health.

Dr Tracey J. Woodruff, senior



author of the study and director of UCSF's Program on Reproductive Health & the Environment (PRHE), said that microplastics act like particulate air pollution, which is already known to cause severe health problems.

Dr Pooja Babbar, Consultant in Medical Oncology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, commented on the study and highlighted that inhaled microplastics can embed deep within lung tissues, causing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.

These conditions create a favourable environment for cell mutations, potentially leading to lung cancer.

Ingested microplastics, on the other hand, can disturb the gut microbiome, trigger local inflammation, and increase the risk of colon cancer. Additionally, chemicals like bisphenol A and phthalates, commonly found in plastics, can disrupt endocrine functions and promote tumor growth.

While more research is required to establish definitive causal links between microplastics and diseases like cancer, scientists agree that the existing evidence warrants urgent action.

Nicholas Chartres, lead author of the study, urged policymakers to address the health risks of microplastics through better regulation and preventive measures.

What can be done?

Experts suggest reducing plastic pollution by improving recycling methods, eliminating single-use plastics, and raising public awareness about microplastic exposure.

Minimising personal exposure through masks in polluted areas and reducing plastic consumption can also play a crucial role.

Microplastic pollution is no longer just an environmental problem, it's an emerging public health crisis, which requires a global collaboration, the researchers noted.