A Review of Emerging Contaminants in Library Indoor Spaces: Sources, Exposure, and Health Risks

Abstract The presence and health risks of emerging contaminants in public places have attracted increasing concern due to their potential toxicity. However, the occurrence, source, exposure pathways, and health risk of emerging contaminants in library indoor environments have not been elucidated to date. To address these knowledge gaps, the present review article first summarizes the occurrence and sources of emerging contaminants in library indoor environments. Our analysis shows that various emerging contaminants can be released from the materials, supplies, equipment, and facilities in libraries, including microplastics (MPs), nanoplastics (NPs), perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), plasticizers, flame retardants (FRs), and nanoparticles. These contaminants are mainly present in the air and dust; staff and readers are exposed through three routes, i.e., inhalation, dermal contact, and ingestion. They can accumulate in various tissues and organs, particularly in blood and lung, causing respiratory diseases, reproductive disorders, immune disruption, and even cancers. Of particular concern, these contaminants may cause serious health threat to pregnant women and children, e.g., primary and secondary school students. Finally, several research directions are recommended to strengthen the studies regarding emerging contaminants in library indoor environments, including their characterization and fate, health risk evaluation, regulatory system framework, and mitigation strategies.