Abstract
We are continually exposed to microplastic fibers originating from textiles. High exposure to microplastic fibers in nylon flock workers has been linked to the development of airway and interstitial lung disease, but the exact health effects of microplastic fibers on the lungs are unknown. Here we determined effects of polyester and nylon textile microplastic fibers on airway and alveolar epithelial cells using human and murine lung organoids. We observed that the presence of particularly nylon microfibers had a negative impact on the growth and development of airway organoids. This effect was mediated by components leaking from nylon. Moreover, our data suggested that microplastic textile fibers may especially harm the developing airways or airways undergoing repair. Our results call for an urgent need to assess exposure and inhalation levels in indoor environments to accurately determine the actual risk of these fibers to human health.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
