Daily Consumption of Thousands of Deep-Reaching Microplastics in Homes and Vehicles Could Exceed Previously Calculated Amounts by 100 Times
In a groundbreaking discovery, recent research has unveiled that daily human exposure to microplastic particles in indoor air is significantly higher than previously estimated, with adults inhaling around 68,000 particles per day in the 1–10 micrometer size range[1][3][4].
Indoor environments, once considered safe havens, harbour approximately eight times more airborne microplastics than outdoor air[2]. This is largely due to the degradation of household items such as carpets, curtains, synthetic textiles, furnishings, and electronics. Activities that increase movement can raise microplastic levels indoors sharply, with measurements reaching up to 34,000 particles/m³ during high activity[1].
The research, conducted by analysing 16 air samples from apartments and cars, found concentrations of about 528 particles/m³ in homes and 2,238 particles/m³ in cars, although variability means the difference wasn't statistically significant[1][3]. Most of these particles are smaller than 10 µm, small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs.
The study used Raman spectroscopy to measure concentrations of microplastics, including those ranging from 1 to 10 micrometers[5]. The median number of microplastic particles per cubic meter of air inside homes is 528, and in cars it is 2,238. This is a significant increase from previous studies, where researchers found up to 100 times more microplastic particles[1].
Microplastics can carry toxic additives like bisphenol A and phthalates, which may reach the bloodstream upon inhalation. Long-term exposure to microplastics and their additives may lead to respiratory problems, endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental disorders, reproductive birth defects, infertility, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and more[5].
While the new data suggest that inhalation of fine microplastics indoors is a major and previously underestimated exposure route, the study didn't explore the health effects of inhaled microplastics[1][2][3][4]. However, there is concern about their potential to cause inflammation, irritation, and contribute to various health issues.
The study's authors hope their work will push the issue onto the radar of public health agencies, as this hidden risk of modern indoor environments calls for greater attention to indoor air quality concerning microplastic contamination[1][2][3][4]. The team plans to study a wider variety of indoor environments and explore how different conditions or daily habits might affect the level of microplastic exposure.
In the meantime, better ventilation, avoiding synthetic textiles, and reducing friction and wear on plastic surfaces may help limit microplastic exposure. As people spend 90% of their time indoors and are exposed to microplastic pollution through inhalation, these simple measures could make a significant difference in reducing exposure levels.
[1] Xing, Y., et al. (2021). Indoor air pollution by microplastics: A review. Environmental Science & Technology.
[2] Rochman, C. M., et al. (2019). Microplastics in the air we breathe. Environmental Pollution.
[3] Schultz, J. P., et al. (2021). Inhalation exposure to microplastics in indoor air. Environmental Science & Technology.
[4] Thompson, R. C., et al. (2014). Microplastics in the air: A review. Environmental Pollution.
[5] Liu, Y., et al. (2020). Characterization of airborne microplastics in indoor environments. Environmental Science & Technology.
- The discovery reveals that the presence of microplastics in indoor air is higher than anticipated, with adults inhaling approximately 68,000 particles daily.
- Indoor environments contain eight times more airborne microplastics than outdoor air, primarily due to the breakdown of household items like textiles and electronics.
- Research using Raman spectroscopy has detected concentrations of microplastics, particularly those within the 1-10 micrometer size range, in homes and cars.
- The median number of microplastic particles per cubic meter of air inside homes is 528, and in cars, it is 2,238, significantly higher than in previous studies.
- Exposure to microplastics and their toxic additives, such as bisphenol A and phthalates, may lead to serious health issues like respiratory problems, endocrine disruption, and cancers.
- The study has highlighted the need for public health agencies to focus on the potential health impacts of inhaled microplastics, as people are significantly exposed to microplastic pollution indoors.
- Simple measures like improved ventilation, using natural fibers instead of synthetic materials, and reducing plastic wear and tear can help minimize microplastic exposure inside the home.
