CNN —For the first time, scientists have found evidence that marine mammals could be inhaling microplastics, according to new research that detected the potentially harmful particles in the breath of bottlenose dolphins off the coasts of Louisiana and Florida. Previous research has discovered the tiny particles present in marine mammals’ tissues from exposure through consumption and then movement from the digestive tract into other organs. “We found that dolphins may be breathing in microplastics, even if they live in rural areas away from high levels of human activity. The researchers are unsure how inhalation of microplastics will affect dolphins, but they suspect it could have an impact on the creatures’ lung health, according to the study. The study team held up petri dishes to the mammals’ blowhole, through which dolphins inhale and exhale.

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Persons: “, ”, Miranda Dziobak, ” Dziobak, Greg Merrill, Merrill, Dziobak, ” Merrill Organizations: CNN, College of, Duke University in, Marine Pollution Locations: Louisiana, Florida, College of Charleston, South Carolina, Duke University in Durham , North Carolina, Barataria Bay, Sarasota Bay