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Microplastics in the indoor laboratory environment: A study on deposition rate, size, shape, polymer, and source
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Researchers found that even indoor spaces like laboratories are constantly shedding tiny plastic particles into the air—settling at a rate of nearly 300 particles per square meter every day. These particles, mostly from everyday items like plastic bottles, furniture, and air conditioning, are small enough to potentially be inhaled, which matters because we spend most of our time indoors and this adds to growing evidence that indoor air may be a significant source of microplastic exposure.
This study examined the abundance, size, shape, color, and polymer composition of microplastics (MPs) in a laboratory environment. The deposition rate of MPs ranged from 178 to 427 particles per square meter per day (p/m²/d), with an average of 286 ± 104 p/m2/d. Fragments were the most common shape, followed by pellets and fibers. Most MPs were found in the 53-300 µm and 300-500 µm size ranges. Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified polyethylene (PE), cellulose nitrate (CN), polypropylene (PP), and cellulose, with PE being the most prevalent polymer. The color analysis revealed that white and black were the most common colors, with PE mostly white, PP brown, and cellulose and CN appearing in various colors. The identified polymers suggest that the MPs found in the laboratory likely originate from routine laboratory activities, including handling of reagent bottles and caps, as well as from materials used in laboratory infrastructure such as walls, furniture, air conditioner (AC), and curtains.
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Indoor Airborne Microplastics: Tracing Indoor Sources of Microplastic Pollution in Living and Working Space.
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Researchers swabbed dust from dorm rooms, labs, and other indoor spaces and found tiny plastic fibers everywhere, likely shedding from everyday items like clothing and carpets. Since we spend most of our time indoors breathing this air, these findings suggest our homes and workspaces could be a major—and largely overlooked—source of the microplastics we inhale, though more research is needed to know exactly how this affects our health.
Characterization and quantification of microplastics in indoor environments
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Researchers measured airborne microplastics in indoor spaces including offices, labs, dining halls, and dormitories. Dormitories had the highest microplastic levels, with fibers being the most common shape found. The study highlights that people are regularly inhaling microplastics indoors, where they spend the majority of their time.
Airborne microplastic contamination across diverse university indoor environments: A comprehensive ambient analysis
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Researchers measured airborne microplastics across different indoor spaces at a university and found that people in those buildings inhale an estimated 180 to 240 microplastic particles daily. The most common types found were nylon, PTFE, polypropylene, and polyethylene, with fragments showing rough edges from wear and tear. This study highlights that indoor air is a significant and often overlooked source of microplastic exposure for people who spend most of their time indoors.
Long-term assessment of indoor and outdoor airborne microplastics deposition: size distribution and polymer characteristics
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Researchers found that indoor air had roughly ten times more microplastic particles settling out of it than outdoor air, with hallways especially prone to buildup, likely from foot traffic stirring up dust. Since most of these particles were small enough to potentially be inhaled deep into the lungs, and we spend most of our time indoors, this suggests indoor spaces may be a bigger source of microplastic exposure than previously assumed.
Assessing the concentration, distribution and characteristics of suspended microplastics in the Malaysian indoor environment
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Researchers measured airborne microplastic levels inside offices, classrooms, apartments, and homes across Malaysia over six weeks. Microplastics were found in every indoor environment tested, with fibers being the most common type, and people in homes were estimated to inhale more microplastics daily than those in offices or classrooms. The findings highlight that indoor air is a significant and often overlooked source of microplastic exposure for people.
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