Deposition of microplastics associated with bioaccumulation of heavy metals in human lungs of smokers: Implications of adsorption and mobilization of metals via microplastics
Gagandeep Kaur, Faizan Imam, Felix Effah, Aerlin D Decker, Marcus A. Garcia, Matthew J. Campen, Irfan Rahman
This study finds that smoking increases microplastic (MNP) and cadmium (Cd) levels in lung tissues, with a strong correlation between PE microplastics and Cd accumulation.
bioRxiv · Dec 2, 2025 · PreprintPharmacology & Toxicology