This study conducted by Melanie Bergmann et al. provides the first data on contamination of snow by MPs. MP concentrations in snow were very high, indicating significant contamination of the atmosphere. During its passage through the atmosphere, snow binds airborne particles and pollutants, which are eventually deposited on Earth’s surfaces, a phenomenon termed “scavenging.”

Chronic inhalation of MPs, especially in combination with adsorbed or added chemicals, may lead to health risks including respiratory irritation, allergic alveolitis, inflammation, fibrosis, and genotoxicity. Pauly et al. suggest that MPs may be considered candidate agents contributing to the risk of lung cancer, especially of nonsmokers.