Potentially toxic microplastic and nanoplastic particles are raining down on Mount Everest year-round, scientists warn in a new study.

These ultra-small plastic fragments, less than 5mm in length, are now ubiquitous across our planet, discovered everywhere on Earth from the ice-covered peaks of the world’s tallest mountains to the depths of the oceans.

Studies have warned that these particles may pose a threat to environmental and public health , with research showing that they can induce inflammation, DNA damage, and hormone disruptions in humans and other animals.

Previous research has found these tiny plastic particles are present in samples collected from snow and stream water in the Mount Everest region.…