We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Human inhalation exposure assessment of the airborne microplastics from indoor deposited dusts during winter in Dhaka, Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed indoor dust from 15 homes in Dhaka, Bangladesh and found microplastics in every sample, with concentrations suggesting that people inhale thousands of microplastic particles daily during winter when ventilation is reduced. The most common types were polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester from household items, and estimated daily inhalation exposure was highest for children relative to their body weight.
Microplastic (MP) contamination has become a concern due to its ubiquitous presence. Recent studies have found MPs to be present in multiple human organs. This study was carried out to evaluate the presence and characterize MPs in indoor dust deposition. Deposited dust was collected from fifteen households in Dhaka city. The samples underwent quantification of MPs using stereomicroscopy. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed to understand the polymer composition. MPs of the size group ranging from 50 to 250 μm were the most dominant. The deposition rates varied from 7.52 × 10³ MPs/m/day to 66.29 × 10³ MPs/m/day, with the mean deposition rate being 34 × 10³ MPs/m/day. Notably, the number of occupants and the height of the sampling location above the ground level were found to influence the deposition rates. Various polymers, including polyester (PET), polyethylene (PE), Nylon, and polypropylene (PP), were identified. The estimated mean inhalation exposure was 2986 ± 1035 MPs/kg-BW/day. This work highlights the need for additional research to explore indoor microplastic deposition and its potential effect on human health in the densely inhabited and severely polluted megapolis of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in indoor dust at Dhaka city: unveiling the unseen contaminants within our homes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed indoor dust from homes, offices, and other indoor spaces in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and found microplastics present in every sample. Fibers were the most common form, likely originating from synthetic textiles, and concentrations varied by room type and ventilation. The study reveals that indoor environments are a significant but often overlooked source of human microplastic exposure.
Unveiling the hidden pollutants in the indoor environment: Focus on microplastic pollution and its related risks in the educational institutions of megacity, Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic pollution in classroom dust at educational institutions in Dhaka, Bangladesh, finding significant levels of contamination in indoor environments where children spend much of their day. The most common particles were fibers from synthetic textiles, and the concentrations varied based on room type and ventilation. Since children breathe closer to the ground and have developing lungs, this indoor microplastic exposure is a health concern that deserves attention.
Characterization of microplastics in outdoor and indoor air in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India: First insights from the region
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured airborne microplastics in both outdoor and indoor air in Ranchi, India, finding plastic particles in all samples with higher concentrations during winter months. Indoor air contained different plastic types than outdoor air, with polyvinyl chloride dominant indoors while polyethylene and polypropylene were more common outside. The study confirms that people are breathing in microplastics throughout the day, whether at home or outside.
Study of suspended microplastics in indoor air to assess human exposure through inhalation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated suspended microplastics in indoor air to assess the extent of human exposure through inhalation. The study quantified airborne microplastic particles in indoor settings, providing data on a potentially important but understudied route of daily microplastic intake for the general population.
Airborne microplastics in indoor and outdoor environments of a developing country in South Asia: abundance, distribution, morphology, and possible sources
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified airborne microplastic concentrations in indoor and outdoor environments in a South Asian developing country, characterizing particle abundance, size distribution, morphology, and potential sources, finding significant microplastic air pollution in a lower-middle-income country context.
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.