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Microplastics comparison of indoor and outdoor air and ventilation rate effect in outskirts of the Seoul metropolitan city
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Researchers measured airborne microplastics both indoors and outdoors in buildings near Seoul, finding that indoor concentrations were 1.8 times higher than outdoor levels. Polyester fibers from clothing and furnishings were the most common type, and lower ventilation rates led to higher indoor microplastic levels, meaning the air people breathe at home and work may be a significant source of microplastic exposure.
Microplastics in the air are becoming a concern, especially in indoor environments. Outdoor microplastics can travel from far spaces while indoor ones remain suspended and recirculate in the indoor environment. In this study, we collected air samples from the same buildings indoors and outdoors and observed the indoor microplastic concentration was 1.8 times higher than the outdoor. 24-hour sampling was performed with a mini-volume air sampler at the rate of 5 L/min. In this study, along with a comparison of indoor and outdoor concentrations, we also studied the microplastics' type size, and shape. We found that fiber-type microplastics account for nearly 90 % of the total and synthetic fibers. We also reported the 10 highest present microplastics are Polyethylene, Polyethersulfone, Polyamide, Polystyrene, Acrylic, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polytetrafluoroethylene, Alkyd, and Polyurethane. It is also observed the indoor ventilation rate plays a major role in the microplastic concentrations, long and periodic ventilation resulted in the lower concentration of the indoor microplastics. This study resulted in higher indoor air concentrations than outdoor and even in the outskirts of the metropolitan city which shows that indoor air concentrations are dependent on indoor sources and human activity.
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Researchers measured microplastic fallout in both outdoor and indoor environments across the megacity of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and found that indoor environments had significantly higher microplastic deposition rates than outdoor locations. Fibers from synthetic textiles were the most common type of airborne microplastic detected. The study highlights that people living in densely populated cities may face substantial microplastic exposure simply from the air they breathe indoors.
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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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Researchers measured airborne microplastics bound to breathable dust particles in Korean subway stations, homes, and outdoor areas, finding indoor levels about four times higher than outdoors. Microplastic particles deposited in the lungs were highest in residential homes due to the amount of time people spend indoors. The study warns that long-term inhalation of these tiny plastic particles may significantly increase the risk of respiratory disease.
A systematic review of airborne microplastics emissions as emerging contaminants in outdoor and indoor air environments
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This systematic review compared microplastic levels in indoor and outdoor air around the world. Indoor air often contains more microplastics than outdoor air — largely from synthetic clothing and household items — meaning our homes and workplaces may be significant sources of daily microplastic exposure.
First overview of microplastics in indoor and outdoor air
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This study provided one of the first comprehensive overviews of microplastic contamination in both indoor and outdoor air, establishing that microplastics are airborne and that indoor environments may have higher concentrations than outdoors due to synthetic materials and textiles. The findings raised new concerns about inhalation as a pathway for human microplastic exposure.
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.