Every day, people spend their lives in the safety of homes, workplaces, and cars, but new research shows that these indoor spaces are filled with an invisible threat: microscopic plastic particles suspended in the air we breathe.
A study from the Université de Toulouse, published in PLOS One, measured the presence of microplastics in indoor air. Researchers collected 16 samples from their own apartments and cars and analyzed them using Raman spectroscopy. They found a median of 528 microplastic particles per cubic meter in apartments, and 2,238 per cubic meter in cars, with 94 percent of the particles measuring under 10 micrometers—small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs.
From these results, the team estimated that adults inhale around 71,000 microplastic particles each day, with 68,000 of them being sub‑10 micrometers in size (PLOS One). The researchers wrote that “the concentration we found is 100‑fold higher than previous extrapolated estimates.” Since people spend roughly 90 percent of their time indoors, most of this exposure occurs in the very places we consider safe.
The long‑term health impact of inhaling microplastics is still being studied, but early evidence suggests links to cancer, fertility problems, and cardiovascular risks, according to ScienceAlert. Microplastics this small can become lodged in lung tissue and may even enter the bloodstream, raising concerns for respiratory and overall health.
For Catholics, this study offers both a caution and a call to stewardship. Pope Francis reminds the faithful in Laudato Si’ to care for “our common home,” which includes confronting hidden threats like pollution that harms both human life and the environment.
The researchers emphasized that more studies are urgently needed to understand the biological effects of microplastic inhalation (PLOS One). In the meantime, practical steps such as improving indoor ventilation, using HEPA filters, and reducing single-use plastics at home can help lower exposure. Supporting scientific research and advocating for cleaner production also reflect a Catholic commitment to protect human dignity and creation.
Microplastics in the air serve as a quiet reminder that even the most familiar spaces are not free from environmental harm. By living out both faith and prudence, Catholics can respond with prayer, awareness, and action to safeguard the health of their families and the world entrusted to our care.
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