In the News

In the News: Research presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress reveals a concerning link between respiratory health and plastic pollution. In a study of 100 patients undergoing bronchoscopies, researchers found that 70% had detectable microplastics in their respiratory systems. Notably, the 50 patients diagnosed with lung cancer had a significantly higher burden of microplastics—most commonly polyethylene and polypropylene—compared to those without cancer. While the study doesn’t definitively prove that microplastics cause cancer, the findings indicate that everyday plastics are infiltrating our bodies through the air we breathe and lodging in our lungs, raising serious questions about their long-term impact on human health.

Ecovia Bio’s Perspective: For years, the conversation around plastic pollution has focused on our oceans and landfills. This study is a stark reminder that the plastic crisis is also a human health crisis. As microplastics from synthetic polymers infiltrate our environment and the air we breathe, the need to transition away from traditional, degrading plastics is no longer just an environmental goal—it is a medical necessity. At Ecovia Bio, this validates our commitment to developing bio-based, biodegradable alternatives like our polyglutamic acid (PGA) biopolymers. By creating high-performing replacements to synthetic polyacrylates that leave zero microplastics behind at the end of their life, we can tackle this pollution at the source. Innovations in sustainable materials are essential not just for a healthier planet, but for healthier people.

Read the full findings from the European Respiratory Society