Microplastics in the Air: Why You Inhale Them Daily (and What They Do to Your Lungs)

We now know that microplastics end up in oceans and our food. But did you know you also inhale them daily? Especially indoors, where we are surrounded by synthetic clothing, furniture, and dust, microplastics continuously float through the air. And you inhale them, often without realizing it.

Scientists are increasingly warning about the consequences: from respiratory irritation and asthmatic symptoms to the accumulation of plastic particles in lung tissue.^[1]

Where Do Airborne Microplastics Come From?

The main indoor sources are:

Clothing: Especially polyester, nylon, and acrylic shed microfibers during wear and movement. Research shows that synthetic textiles continuously release fibers into the air during normal use, particularly with friction and movement.^[2]

Furniture and carpets: Synthetic upholstery and carpeting constantly shed fibers. Studies show that carpets and upholstered furniture are significant sources of microplastics in indoor air.^[3]

Dust: Household dust is a collection point for microplastics from textiles, cosmetics, and packaging. A study in Environmental Pollution (2020) showed that a household can inhale up to 114,000 microplastic fibers per year via indoor air and dust.^[4]

How Much Do We Inhale?

Research in London and Paris showed that indoor microplastic concentrations are significantly higher than outdoor concentrations. People can inhale hundreds to thousands of fibers daily, depending on the environment and ventilation.^[5] Another study estimated that an average person can inhale between 170 and 16,200 microplastic particles per day, with the highest concentrations in urban indoor environments.^[6]

A 2022 review emphasizes that synthetic clothing is a major source of these fibers, and that they are released primarily during friction (walking, sitting, exercising).^[7] During exercise in synthetic sportswear, fiber release increases due to increased movement and friction—precisely when your breathing rate is highest.

What Happens in Your Lungs?

Airway irritation and inflammation

When microplastics are inhaled, they can settle in the airways. Animal studies show that this leads to inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, which can exacerbate asthmatic symptoms.^[8] A recent study found that exposure to microplastics activates pro-inflammatory cytokines and can impair lung function.^[9]

Accumulation in lung tissue

In 2022, researchers first found microplastics in human lung tissue. The particles were found in 11 of the 13 analyzed samples. Polypropylene (from packaging and textiles) and PET (polyester) were particularly common.^[10] This proves that microplastics do not only temporarily enter the airways but can actually accumulate in lung tissue.

A follow-up study from 2023 even found microplastics in the deepest lung alveoli, meaning that the smallest particles penetrate deep into the respiratory system.^[11]

Asthma and allergies

Inhalation of microplastics can increase sensitivity to allergens and worsen existing lung conditions. People with asthma or COPD may therefore be at increased risk.^[12] A systematic review from 2023 found evidence that long-term exposure to microplastics is associated with an increased prevalence of asthma and chronic respiratory symptoms.^[13]

Why Indoors is Worse Than Outdoors

Indoor air is often less well-ventilated. Moreover, living spaces contain many synthetic materials: curtains, cushions, sportswear, carpets. This leads to continuous exposure to microfibers. High concentrations have been found even in bedrooms.^[5]

Studies show that the concentration of microplastics indoors is, on average, 5 to 10 times higher than outdoors, with peaks up to 40 times higher in poorly ventilated spaces with a lot of synthetic textiles.^[14] This means that most of your daily microplastic exposure occurs not outdoors, but right at home.

The Role of Sportswear and Activity

During exercise, your breathing rate increases significantly – you breathe faster and deeper. At the same time, intense movement in synthetic sportswear causes more friction, releasing more fibers. This means that during a workout in polyester clothing, you inhale an increased amount of microplastics, precisely when your lungs are working their hardest.^[15]

Natural fibers like organic cotton also shed fibers, but these are biodegradable and do not contain synthetic chemicals associated with inflammatory reactions. Choosing natural materials for sportswear therefore not only reduces your skin exposure to chemicals but also your inhalation of microplastics.

What You Can Do

Ventilate daily

Fresh air reduces indoor microplastic concentrations. Open windows daily, even in winter, to promote air circulation.

Opt for natural materials

Cotton, wool, and linen shed biodegradable fibers that do not form microplastics. For sportswear, this means the difference between inhaling synthetic microplastics and natural, biodegradable fibers.

Use air purifiers with HEPA filters

Proven effective against microplastics in household dust. Studies show that HEPA filters can remove up to 95% of airborne microplastics from indoor air.^[16]

Wash clothes less often and at a lower temperature

This limits fiber loss, both during washing and subsequent wear. Synthetic clothing that has been washed many times sheds more fibers.

Vacuum with a filter

Ordinary vacuum cleaners can actually spread microplastics through their exhaust air. Use a vacuum cleaner with a good HEPA filter.

Reduce synthetic textiles in your home

Start with the rooms where you spend the most time: bedroom and living room. Where possible, replace synthetic curtains, blankets, and pillows with natural alternatives.

Conclusion

Microplastics not only float in oceans but also in the air you breathe daily. Especially indoors, where synthetic clothing and furniture shed fibers, exposure can be high. Scientists have now found microplastics in human lung tissue, a sign that particles are not always exhaled but accumulate.

The health effects – from respiratory irritation and asthmatic symptoms to chronic inflammation – make it clear that this is a serious problem. During exercise, exposure is particularly high: you breathe faster and deeper, while your sportswear releases more fibers due to friction.

By consciously choosing natural materials, ventilating well, and intelligently furnishing your living environment, you can limit your exposure. At NOHI NATURAL, we make sportswear from GOTS-certified organic cotton.