Medical University of Vienna May 29 2026 Microplastics (MP) are the subject of intensive medical research, but little is yet known about their effects on the immune system. A study led by the Medical University of Vienna now shows that tiny particles of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) remain in the lungs of mice, can exacerbate respiratory tract inflammation and alter the immune responses associated with allergies. The findings were published in the "Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances"