We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Emission of microplastics particles during the mechanical removal of polymer materials in cosmetics industry
AI summary Read the abstract
This study characterized microplastic particles generated during mechanical milling of nail styling materials in beauty salons, finding particles ranging from a few to tens of micrometers with diverse polymer compositions, suggesting cosmetic industry workers face occupational microplastic inhalation exposure.
Plastics and microplastics represent an increasing threat to both the environment and human health, particularly in enclosed spaces such as beauty salons. This study presents a preliminary characterization of microplastic particles generated during the milling of various nail styling materials. Morphological analyses were carried out using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while chemical composition was determined by FTIR spectroscopy. The results revealed that the microplastic particles ranged in size from a few to several tens of micrometers and exhibited diverse morphologies. Component identification confirmed the presence of potentially irritating, allergenic, and asthma-inducing substances such as acrylates. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into inhalation exposure among beauty salon workers, as well as the necessity of emission control strategies for microplastics in such environments. Full Text: PDF References M.O. Rodrigues, N. Abrantesb, F.J.M. Gonçalvesa, H. Nogueira, J.C. Marquesd, A.M.M. Gonçalvesa, "Impacts of plastic products used in daily life on the environment and human health: What is known?", Environm. Toxicology Pharmacology 72, 103239 (2019), CrossRef R.C. Thompson, C.J. Moore, F.S. vom Saal, S.H. Swan, "Plastics, the environment and human health: current consensus and future trends", Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364, 1526 (2009), CrossRef J.P.G.L. Frias, R. Nash, "Microplastics: Finding a consensus on the definition", Marine Pollution Bulletin, 138 (2019), CrossRef Defining Primary and Secondary Microplastics: "Defining Primary and Secondary Microplastics: A Connotation Analysis", A Connotation Analysis, J. Song, C. Wang, G. Li, ACS EST Water , 4, 6 (2024), CrossRef Y. Li, L. Tao, Q. Wang, F. Wang, G. Li, M. Song, "Potential Health Impact of Microplastics: A Review of Environmental Distribution, Human Exposure, and Toxic Effects", Environment and Health 1, 4 (2023). CrossRef K. Ziani, C.-B. Ioniță-Mîndrican, M. Mititelu, S.M. Neacșu, C. Negrei, E. Moroșan, D. Drăgănescu, O.-T. Preda, "Microplastics: A Real Global Threat for Environment and Food Safety: A State of the Art Review", Nutrients. 15, 3 (2023), CrossRef M. Liro, A. Zielonka, "Towards a geography of plastic fragmentation", Microplastics and Nanoplastics, 5, 1 (2025), CrossRef E.-Y. Chen, K.-T. Lin, C.-C. Jung, C.-L. Chang, C.-Y. Chen, "Characteristics and influencing factors of airborne microplastics in nail salons", Science of The Total Environment 806, 151472 (2022). CrossRef Workplace atmospheres – Size fraction definitions for measurement of airborne particles DirectLink
More Papers Like This
Characteristics and influencing factors of airborne microplastics in nail salons
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured airborne microplastic concentrations in nail salons and found average levels of 46 particles per cubic meter, significantly higher than typical indoor environments. The predominant microplastic types were acrylic, rubber, and polyurethane fragments smaller than 50 micrometers, linked to nail treatment materials and plastic building features. The study suggests that nail salon workers face elevated microplastic exposure, with an estimated annual inhalation of nearly 68,000 particles.
Study of airborne microplastics emissions in workplaces
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured airborne microplastic emissions in occupational settings, finding that workplaces can be significant sources of MP exposure through inhalation. The study characterized particle size, composition, and concentration of MPs in workplace air across different industrial environments.
Characterization of Airborne Microplastic Particles Collected from the Textile Workplaces Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized airborne microplastic particles collected from textile workplace environments, documenting the size, morphology, polymer types, and concentrations of synthetic fiber fragments that textile workers inhale during production, highlighting occupational exposure risks.
Characterization of airborne microplastics at different workplaces of the poly(ethylene:propylene:diene) (EPDM) rubber industry
AI summary Read the abstract
Workers in a rubber manufacturing plant were found to be breathing in high concentrations of airborne microplastics, with the post-processing workshop having the highest levels (up to 559 particles per cubic meter). Forty different polymer types were identified, many specific to rubber and adhesive materials used in production. This occupational exposure study is important because workers in plastics and rubber industries may face far greater inhalation risks than the general public, and current workplace safety guidelines rarely address microplastic air quality.
Airborne Microplastics in Workplaces: Preliminary Findings from a Multi-site Investigation of Plastic Handling and Processing Facilities
AI summary Read the abstract
A multi-site investigation of airborne microplastics in plastic handling and processing workplaces found elevated concentrations compared to outdoor air, with particle morphology and polymer types reflecting the specific plastics handled at each facility, identifying occupational inhalation as a significant exposure pathway.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.