(Source: The Guardian)—In a disturbing environmental first, scientists have discovered microplastics accumulating in the lungs of wild birds, underscoring the pervasive reach of plastic pollution—even in the air we breathe.
A new study published in The Guardian analyzed lung tissue from 51 bird species killed near China’s Chengdu Tianfu International Airport as part of a bird-strike prevention program. Shockingly, every single bird examined had microplastics lodged in its lungs, with an average of 416 plastic particles per gram of lung tissue.
Key Findings:
- All species contaminated, regardless of size, habitat, or diet.
- Terrestrial and carnivorous birds had higher microplastic loads than aquatic species.
- Fibers, films, and pellets from 32 plastic types were identified, including polyethylene, PVC, and tire-derived butadiene rubber.
- Tire wear—often overlooked—may be a major source of airborne microplastics.
Birds have long served as environmental sentinels, from canaries in coal mines to Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. Now, they’re signaling a new crisis. “This widespread contamination highlights the pervasive nature of airborne plastic pollution,” said Shane DuBay, a researcher at the University of Texas at Arlington and co-author of the study. “This is a global problem, like plastics in our oceans.”
How Are Microplastics Getting Into the Air?
The study suggests tire abrasion, industrial emissions, and degraded plastic waste could be major contributors. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—common in pipes and packaging—and butadiene rubber from tires were among the most frequently detected plastics.
“Tire wear from aircraft, ground vehicles, and roads could release these particles into the air,” said lead researcher Prof. Yongjie Wu of Sichuan University. “But we need more research to pinpoint exact sources.”
Human Health Implications
Previous studies have found microplastics in Alpine air, megacity smog, and even London rooftops. Dr. Stephanie Wright of Imperial College London, who was not involved in the study, warned: “We’ve seen microplastics in atmospheric fallout in London, both indoors and outdoors. They’re persistent, they’re accumulating, and we can’t just clean them up—we have to stop them at the source.”
The findings add urgency to global efforts to reduce single-use plastics and regulate microplastic emissions, particularly from tires and synthetic textiles. With plastic production set to triple by 2060, scientists say the time to act is now. “This isn’t just about birds,” said DuBay. “If microplastics are in the air, they’re in us too.”
Read more: Microplastics Found in Lungs of Every Bird Tested in Groundbreaking Study
