From Dr. Norma Braun:
Micro air particles and microplastics are tiny pollutants that come from many everyday sources, including fossil fuel use, wildfires, vehicle traffic, tire wear, and even the breakdown of the plastics that surround us.
These particles are incredibly small (PM2.5 is about 2.5 microns, far thinner than a human hair), so we can’t see them and our noses and airways can’t filter them out. They move deep into the lungs, then into the bloodstream, and eventually reach organs throughout the body. Although plastics have only existed since 1907, we now create about 400 million tons of plastic waste each year, much of which breaks down into particles we breathe, drink, and eat.
Once inside the body, these pollutants trigger inflammation. That shows up as coughing, sneezing, or burning eyes, but long-term exposure is linked to asthma, chronic lung disease, lung cancer, high blood pressure, heart attacks, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, strokes, and even dementia.
To protect yourself: check daily air-quality reports, avoid smoking, use HEPA filters, wear N95 masks when needed and reduce outdoor activity on polluted days. You should also cut back on plastic use by choosing reusable containers like glass Tupperware, and support clean-energy and environmental policies.
