Toxic microplastic particles could be raining down on Mount Everest year-round, according to scientists.

These tiny plastic fragments are less than 5mm in length and found everywhere from the depths of our oceans, to our soil, water supply and the fish we eat.

A Chinese study involving months of monitoring on the mountain’s northern slope found that Everest receives a year-round supply of airborne microplastics and nanoplastics.

These microplastics have also been found in human arteries, lungs and placental tissue and studies warn the particles may pose a threat to not only the environment but public health.

Research has suggested microplastics can induce inflammation , DNA damage, hormone disruptions and possibly increase the risk of heart attacks .

Microplastics have been found in almost every organ of the human body (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

How do we absorb microplastics?

Humans are surrounded by microplastics, the tiny particles are ingested through our food, the water and juices we drink and…