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A characterization and an exposure risk assessment of microplastics in settled house floor dust in Istanbul, Turkey
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Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in settled house floor dust from homes in Istanbul, Turkey. The study found that polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common polymer types, and risk assessments indicated extremely dangerous contamination levels. Evidence indicates that humans face higher exposure to indoor microplastics through ingestion than inhalation, with infants at particularly elevated risk compared to other age groups.
The presence of microplastics in the indoor environment presents growing environmental and human health risks because of their physicochemical and toxic characteristics. Therefore, we aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize plastic debris in settled house floor dusts. This study is a rare study which assess the risks of plastic debris in settled house dust through multiple approaches including the estimated daily intake, pollution loading index, and polymer hazard index. The results indicated that polyethylene and polypropylene were the predominate polymer type of plastic debris in settled house dust with various shapes and colors. The risk assessment results also indicated the serious impact of microplastics in terms of extremely dangerous contamination as well as the fact that they present a polymer hazard. Results indicated that humans have a higher risk of exposure to microplastics via ingestion rather than inhalation. In addition, infants had a higher risk of potential intake compared to other age groups.
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Occurrence and exposure assessment of microplastics in indoor dusts of buildings with different applications in Bushehr and Shiraz cities, Iran
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Researchers measured microplastic levels in indoor dust from homes, mosques, hospitals, kindergartens, and universities in two Iranian cities, finding an average of 80 to 90 particles per milligram of dust. Kindergartens had the highest concentrations, and polyethylene fibers were the most common type across all buildings. The study found that infants in kindergartens face the highest daily microplastic exposure from breathing and accidentally swallowing indoor dust.
Unravelling the microplastic contamination: A comprehensive analysis of microplastics in indoor house dust
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This study provides a detailed analysis of microplastics found in indoor house dust, where people spend most of their time. Fibers were the most common type found, originating from textiles, carpets, and clothing, with plastic sizes and types varying across different household areas. The findings highlight that everyday indoor environments are a significant source of microplastic exposure through inhalation and ingestion of dust.
Microplastics in dust from different indoor environments
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Researchers measured microplastic levels in indoor dust across different types of buildings, finding that residential apartments had the highest concentrations at over 1,100 particles per gram of dust. Polyester fibers were the most common type in homes and hotels, while offices and classrooms had more polyethylene and polypropylene. The study estimated that infants face the highest daily microplastic intake from breathing indoor dust, roughly 30 times more per body weight than adults.
Microplastics in house dust from 12 countries and associated human exposure
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Researchers analyzed indoor house dust from 286 homes across 12 countries for PET and polycarbonate microplastics. They found PET-based microplastics in every sample tested, at concentrations up to 120,000 micrograms per gram, while polycarbonate was detected at lower levels. The study estimates that infants may ingest significant amounts of PET microplastics daily through dust exposure, highlighting indoor environments as an important but often overlooked source of microplastic contact.
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.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.