Research done at Hull York Medical School in England said to have identified microplastics deep in the lungs of living humans for the first time.

These plastics were previously found in human blood, feces and deep in oceans. These tiny pieces of plastic debris are usually the result of industrial waste such as bottles, packaging, clothing and other everyday products. 300 million metric tons of plastic are produced in a year where 80% ends up in landfills and the surrounding environment.

The impact of microplastics on organisms or ecosystems is still unknown. The additives they contain are potential chemical contaminants.