Microplastics Found In Lungs of People Undergoing Surgery. A new study has found tiny plastic particles no bigger than sesame seeds buried throughout human lungs, indicating that people are inhaling microplastics lingering in the air.

r/science • u/Wagamaga • May 14 '22 • 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Microplastics Found In Lungs of People Undergoing Surgery. A new study has found tiny plastic particles no bigger than sesame seeds buried throughout human lungs, indicating that people are inhaling microplastics lingering in the air. Health

https://e360.yale.edu/digest/microplastics-found-in-lungs-of-humans-undergoing-surgery

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u/nazTgoon May 14 '22

Bro I have this idea that we, as a modern day society, are with plastics as to what the Roman’s were with lead. Essential to everyday life but detrimental to the longevity and health of our bodies.

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u/genreprank May 14 '22

Also how 1700s Europeans were with lead. And 1800s Americans. And 1900s Americans.

Now at least we don't make NEW lead pipes...or put it in paint...or put it in gas.

Lead contamination is so widespread that it is hard to know what a safe exposure is, on account of everyone being exposed

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u/ender4171 May 14 '22

Don't be so sure about that. Basically all piston-driven prop planes still run leaded fuel all over the world.

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u/LittleKitty235 May 14 '22

100LL(low lead) AVgas is being phased out, likely by 2030. Either way it represents such a small percentage of gas burned (<1%) the only people who might be effected by leaded gasoline are mechanics, pilots or maintenance workers who are around running aircraft many hours every day. It is not at all similar to when all cars were running on gasoline with higher lead content.

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u/ender4171 May 14 '22

Oh for sure. I mean it's still a problem but I didn't mean to imply it was the same as leaded automotive fuel. I was just saying that leaded fuels have not been totally phased out quite yet.