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Toy building bricks as a potential source of microplastics and nanoplastics
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Scientists found that plastic building bricks (like LEGO-type toys) release thousands of microplastics and hundreds of thousands of nanoplastics per square millimeter of scratched surface during simulated play. The bricks, made of ABS or polycarbonate plastic, shed particles when pieces are connected and disconnected. This is concerning because children who play with these toys may inhale or accidentally swallow these tiny plastic particles.
Microplastics and nanoplastics have become noteworthy contaminants, affecting not only outdoor ecosystems but also making a notable impact within indoor environments. The release of microplastics and nanoplastics from commonly used plastic items remains a concern, and the characterisation of these contaminants is still challenging. This study focused on evaluating the microplastics and nanoplastics produced from plastic building bricks. Using Raman spectroscopy and correlation analysis, the plastic material used to manufacture building blocks was determined to be either acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (correlation value of 0.77) or polycarbonate (correlation value of 0.96). A principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm was optimised for improved detection of the debris particles released. Some challenges in microplastic analysis, such as the interference from the colourants in the building block materials, was explored and discussed. Combining Raman results with scanning electron microscopy - energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we found the scratches on the building blocks to be a significant source of contamination, estimated several thousand microplastics and several hundred thousand nanoplastics were generated per mm2 following simulated play activities. The potential exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics during play poses risks associated with the ingestion and inhalation of these minute plastic particles.
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This paper is not primarily about microplastics — it tests whether recycled PE and PP plastic pellets can replace conventional materials in construction bricks, with a focus on mechanical performance rather than pollution impacts.
Lego-like Bricks Manufacturing Using Recycled Polyethylene (PE) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Waste in Egypt
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Researchers tested the use of recycled polyethylene and PET plastic waste as raw materials for manufacturing Lego-like construction bricks in Egypt, addressing plastic waste accumulation and its degradation into microplastics. The recycled bricks showed adequate structural properties, demonstrating a viable pathway for diverting plastic waste from the environment into durable construction materials.
Microplastics in settled indoor dust: Implications for human exposure
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Researchers measured microplastics in household and workplace dust in Birmingham, UK, finding that homes — especially carpeted ones — had higher concentrations than offices, and that toddlers may ingest roughly twice as many microplastic particles per day as adults due to their smaller body size and floor-level activities.
The manufacturing process and consequent occupational health and environmental risks associated with the use of plastic waste in construction bricks in small-scale recycling plants
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Researchers reviewed health and environmental risks in small-scale facilities that recycle plastic waste into building bricks, finding that the manufacturing process likely releases microplastics, heavy metals, and toxic air pollutants, posing serious health hazards to workers — especially where safety measures are absent.
Emerging role of microplastics and nanoplastics in children's health
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Tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics have been found in the placenta, breast milk, and even infant poop, showing that babies are exposed to plastic pollution before and after birth. This review of existing research explains that kids may be especially vulnerable because their bodies are still developing, and these particles may disrupt gut health, hormones, lungs, and even brain development. While more research is needed to fully understand the risks, the findings add to growing concerns about reducing everyday plastic exposure for children.
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.