In a study conducted in the USA, microplastics that pose serious health risks were found for the first time in the breath of dolphins. Published in the journal “Plos One,” the preliminary findings of the study focus on the potential harmful pollutants that marine mammals breathe in when they come to the surface to take in air. Scientists collected breath samples from bottlenose dolphins in the urban Sarasota Bay in Florida and the rural Barataria Bay in Louisiana as part of the research. The study found microplastics in the breath of all 11 sampled bottlenose dolphins, and it was reported that the microplastics exhaled by marine mammals through their breath mix into the air. It was reported that the majority of microplastics found in the dolphins’ breath samples are particularly from polyester, which leaves particles especially when washed with hot water and is used in clothing production. Due to dolphins having a much larger lung capacity and taking deep breaths, they are thought to be exposed to higher doses of microplastics than humans.
EVEN MICROPLASTICS ON EVEREST
People and wildlife worldwide are exposed to microplastics, small plastic particles, in the air, water, and food. Studies show that even in “untouched” places like Mount Everest, microplastics are present, regardless of urbanization or development. These particles are carried by the wind and significantly harm the environment and life. Exposure to microplastics occurs through ingestion and inhalation, with breathing in plastic leading to lung inflammation and other respiratory problems.