新聞文章

(8 Mar 2026, SCMP) Plastic pollution, long associated with marine degradation and contaminated soil, is increasingly recognised as a pressing urban health concern. Recent scientific findings indicate that Hong Kong’s residents may be inhaling large quantities of microscopic plastic particles daily. A study published in Science Advances reveals that airborne concentrations of these “invisible” plastics are significantly higher than expected, raising crucial public health questions.

Air sampling conducted in Guangzhou and Xian – two densely populated cities in mainland China – found that each cubic metre of air contains about 140,000 to 180,000 microplastics, along with an additional 30,000 to 50,000 nanoplastics. These particles, far thinner than human hair, are capable of lingering in the atmosphere and travelling long distances through air currents. The implication is clear: unintentional inhalation of plastic is likely far more common than had been assumed.

This discovery was made possible by a breakthrough analytical technique capable of detecting plastic fragments as small as 200 nanometres. Such precision enabled researchers to gain an accurate picture of the true scale of airborne plastic pollution.

The study attributes much of this pollution to everyday urban activity. The persistent abrasion of vehicle tyres releases vast amounts of rubber and composite plastic particles, which are easily resuspended by traffic or wind. Roadside dust also acts as a reservoir for plastic residues, meaning even streets that appear clean may harbour continual sources of airborne microplastics and nanoplastics.

Health experts warn that these particles are not benign. Both microplastics and nanoplastics can penetrate deeply into the respiratory system and may even cross into the bloodstream, posing considerable risks to respiratory and immune system health, and may contribute to chronic inflammation.

Global efforts to address plastic pollution have struggled. Despite the involvement of 183 countries, negotiations for a global plastic pollution treaty stalled last year, with no agreement on restricting virgin plastic production. The appointment of Julio Cordano as chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee last month is seen as a pivotal opportunity to revive progress.

With one study estimating that the impacts of plastic cost Americans up to US$1.1 trillion annually, the societal cost is stark. For Hong Kong, these findings highlight the urgency of advancing single-use plastic bans and fostering a culture of reuse. The Green Earth believes we have no choice but to ground our actions in scientific evidence, take bold steps immediately and maintain the resolve to drive lasting change.

Rico Wong, executive director, The Green Earth

South China Morning Post, Hong Kong cannot afford to ignore the threat of microplastic pollution