The tiny plastic particles turning up in our water, food and air may do more than just linger in our bodies, new research suggests they could be making our seasonal allergies worse.

(MORE: Your tea may contain billions of microplastics)

A recent study led by researchers with the Medical University of Vienna, found that tiny particles of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics worsened allergic inflammation in the lungs of mice, providing new insight on how plastic pollution that we’re all exposed to might interact with the allergies millions of us battle each season.

PET is one of the most common plastics on the planet. It’s what water bottles are made of and it’s often woven into polyester clothes. As those products break down, the microscopic fragments end up in the environment and in us.

(MORE: Microplastics in clouds likely impacting weather)

What researchers found

In the study, researchers found the plastic particles were still detectable in the lungs of the mice after 14 days and they actively influenced immune responses.

The plastics amplified the inflammation and allergic reaction triggered by allergens like ragweed.  They also acted as carriers binding with allergens or pollutants and carrying them deeper into the body – essentially giving allergens an easier way in.

Now this study was done in mice, not people, so the same effect has not been documented in humans yet. It also doesn't show that microplastics are the cause of allergies.

So there’s a lot that researchers still don’t know but they’re paying attention. Because with microplastics everywhere and allergy rates rising and allergy season lasting longer, this potential interaction is definitely worth a much closer look.

(MORE: Some microplastics travel farther)