Microplastics in Clouds Hanging Atop Mount Fuji and Mount Oyama

October 11, 2023

The ingestion and inhalation of microplastics by both humans and animals have raised concerns. These particles have been found in human organs, including the lungs, brains, hearts, blood, placentas, and feces. While their toxicity is still under investigation, studies on mice exposed to microplastics suggest potential health issues, such as behavioral changes. Additionally, some studies have linked microplastics to cancer and irritable bowel syndrome.

Microplastics in the Clouds

Researchers from Waseda University collected samples at altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 3,776 meters, revealing the presence of nine types of polymers, including polyurethane, and one type of rubber in the cloud mist. The samples contained approximately 6.7 to 13.9 pieces of microplastics per liter, including a substantial quantity of “water-loving” plastic bits. This suggests that these microplastics may play a critical role in rapid cloud formation, with potential implications for the climate.

The Climate Implications

Microplastics in the upper atmosphere degrade more rapidly when exposed to ultraviolet light, releasing greenhouse gases in the process. High concentrations of these microplastics in clouds over sensitive polar regions could disrupt the ecological balance. This further underscores the need to address the issue of airborne plastic pollution urgently.

Airborne Plastic Mobility

This research underscores the high mobility of microplastics, highlighting their ability to travel great distances through the air and the environment. Previous studies have found microplastics in rain, with researchers suggesting that the primary sources of airborne plastics might include sea spray and aerosols generated by crashing waves and bursting ocean bubbles. Additionally, dust from car traffic on roads is considered another potential source of airborne microplastics.

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