<p>Lung cancer, a global concern with high mortality rates, has multiple causative factors, including exposure to air pollution. This risk extends to microplastics, now recognized as constituents of particulate matter, a well-known carcinogen for lung cancer. Numerous studies have consistently shown the prevalence of microplastics originating from various sources, accumulating in the lungs upon inhalation. However, their direct influence on lung carcinogenesis remains less explored, highlighting the urgent need for high-priority research. This comprehensive review aims to analyze the effects of microplastics on lung carcinogenesis, drawing insights from a wide range of research studies. It addresses the sources and transport of microplastics infiltrating humans from indoor environments, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, genomic instability, and immune modulation—factors closely associated with lung cancer development. The review also emphasizes pertinent in vitro and in vivo studies on microplastic exposure and their potential implications for lung cancer. Furthermore, it delves into the least explored and complex interplay between microplastics and particulate matter in the context of lung cancer, based on global cohort studies and meta-analyses. This review provides critical insights into microplastic and particulate matter exposure, emphasizing the need for extensive, long-term investigations across diverse human populations and regions to inform public health policies. Such research endeavors are essential for developing effective intervention strategies to mitigate the risks associated with these environmental contaminants.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>