[en] [en] OBJECTIVES: To review the current literature findings dedicated to the toxicity of nano- and microplastics (NMPs) in the upper respiratory tract.
DATA SOURCES: PubMED, Cochrane Library and Embase databases.
REVIEW METHODS: Three independent investigators conducted the literature search for the documentation and toxicity of NMP in the upper respiratory tract according to the PRISMA statements. Primary outcomes included NMP types, shape, density, sizes, the environment (air, mask wearing, plasticdevice), and the histological and physiological modifications associated with the deposit of NMP.
RESULTS: The scoping review included 12 studies (10 clinical, 2 experimental) with 356 human subjects. NMPs were detected in all samples, predominantly as fragments (10-500 μm), except in mask-wearers where fibers predominated. Polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polyurethane were the most common. Clinical studies showed higher NMP density in patients with nasal disorders with an increased permeability of mucosa (rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis) than in healthy controls. Mask wearing and nasal lavage devices contributed to NMP deposition. Experimental studies demonstrated NMP cellular internalization with potential physiological disruption, including oxidative stress, autophagy dysfunction, and respiratory microbiome alterations. There was substantial heterogeneity across studies for NMP detection methods.
CONCLUSIONS: The current clinical and experimental studies demonstrate that both exposed and unexposed humans have nasal NMP detected in their nasal tissues and fluids. Mask wearing and the use of old plastic nasal lavage devices can contribute to this deposition. While experimental studies suggest changes in tissue and cell physiology, the toxicity of NMP in nasal tissue remains poorly investigated and has not been conclusively demonstrated.
Research center :
CIRMAP - Centre d'Innovation et de Recherche en Matériaux Polymères
Disciplines :
Materials science & engineering
Author, co-author :
LECHIEN, Jérome ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté de Psychologie et des Sciences de l'Education > Service de Métrologie et Sciences du langage ; Division of Laryngology and Broncho-Esophagology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, EpiCURA Hospital, Baudour, Belgium ; Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Foch Hospital, Paris Saclay University, Phonetics and Phonology Laboratory, (UMR 7018 CNRS Université Sorbonne Nouvelle/Paris 3), Paris, France ; Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium
Al Barajraji, Mejdeddine; Department of Surgery, UMONS Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
Maniaci, Antonino ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté de Médecine, Pharmacie et Sciences Biomédicales > Service de Chirurgie ; Department of Medicine and Surgery, Enna Kore University, Catania, Italy
Laurent, Sophie ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie > Service de Chimie générale, organique et biomédicale ; Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging, Charleroi, Belgium
Benali, Samira ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté des Sciences > Service des Matériaux Polymères et Composites
Ris, Laurence ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie > Service de Neurosciences
Massager, Nicolas ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie > Service du Doyen de la Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie ; Department of Neurological Surgery, La Louvière, Belgium
Raquez, Jean-Marie ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté des Sciences > Service des Matériaux Polymères et Composites
Baudouin, Robin; Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Foch Hospital, Paris Saclay University, Phonetics and Phonology Laboratory, (UMR 7018 CNRS Université Sorbonne Nouvelle/Paris 3), Paris, France
Hans, Stephane; Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Foch Hospital, Paris Saclay University, Phonetics and Phonology Laboratory, (UMR 7018 CNRS Université Sorbonne Nouvelle/Paris 3), Paris, France
Dubois, Philippe ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté des Sciences > Service des Matériaux Polymères et Composites
Manto, Mario ; Université de Mons - UMONS > Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie > Service de Neurosciences ; Department of Neurology, CHU de Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium
Language :
English
Title :
Micro- and Nanoplastic Toxicity in Upper Respiratory Tract: A Scoping Review.
Publication date :
13 August 2025
Journal title :
Laryngoscope
ISSN :
0023-852X
eISSN :
1531-4995
Publisher :
Wiley-Blackwell, Us pa
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Research unit :
S816 - Matériaux Polymères et Composites
Research institute :
R400 - Institut de Recherche en Science et Ingénierie des Matériaux
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