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Composition, interactions and resulting inhalation risk of micro- and nano-plastics in urban air

Kaushik, Ankush, Peter, Anju Elizbath, van Pinxteren, Manuela, Scholz-Böttcher, Barbara M., Herrmann, Hartmut·2025·Communications Earth & Environment
DOI 10.1038/s43247-025-02980-0

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Abstract

Airborne micro- and nano-plastics represent an underestimated threat to urban environments and human health. We characterized their concentrations and polymer composition in size-fractionated particulate matter collected in Leipzig, Germany, using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Total concentrations of plastic particles <10 µm averaged 0.6 ± 0.2 µg/m 3 , with fine and coarse fractions contributing equally. Tire wear particles dominated, accounting for about 65% total plastics, followed by polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. These polymers correlated strongly with carbonaceous aerosol markers, indicating co-emission and atmospheric mixing. Exposure and risk assessment suggest that inhalation of approximately 2.1 µg of these airborne plastic particles per day may increase cardiopulmonary mortality by 9% and lung cancer mortality by 13% in humans. By integrating exposure, risk assessment, and analytical data, these findings highlight the need for global policy action, emphasizing the value of region-specific research for air quality and public health initiatives.

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Metadata

Authors
Kaushik, A., Peter, A. E., van Pinxteren, M., Scholz-Böttcher, B. M., & Herrmann, H.
Venue
Communications Earth & Environment
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2025-12-01
Volume
6
Issue
1
ISSN
2662-4435
DOI
10.1038/s43247-025-02980-0
Cited by
16
References
9
Language
en
Licence
Funders
Leibniz-Gemeinschaft (K389/2021)

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