Plastic rain is a reality and we have underestimated its dangers

New estimates from a group of scientists University of Auckland In New Zealand they reveal that plastic rain is real. We can’t see, feel, smell or taste plastic, but there are an average of 5,000 microplastic particles on every square meter of roofing in homes every day. This translates to 74 tons of plastic each year, the equivalent of three million plastic bottles. Previous research has found microplastic particles per square meter in London, Paris and Hamburg as well.

Future research needs to determine exactly how much plastic we breathe in. It is becoming increasingly clear that air is an important route of exposure.

Eight different types of airborne plastics were identified in the survey. The most common is polyethylene (PE) which is used in bags and bottles. This is followed by polycarbonate plastic commonly used in protective equipment and medical devices and PET found in food packaging.

In 2021, scientists warn that airborne plastics are now so prevalent in the atmosphere that they could affect the climate. If their concentration in the atmosphere continues to increase, they can increase the greenhouse effect by absorbing and scattering light and heat.

The majority of particles are between 10 and 50 µm in size, with only 3% larger than 100 µm.

No one yet knows what effects airborne microplastics can have on human health, but one thing is for sure is that in these volumes they can be absorbed by our cells when we breathe them in.

The study has been published in Environmental science and technology.

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