We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of sources and analytical approaches of indoor microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers systematically reviewed the scientific literature on microplastics in indoor air and found a sharp rise in research after 2017, likely spurred by COVID-19 pandemic attention to indoor air quality. The review highlights that sources like synthetic textiles, furniture, and ventilation systems contribute to indoor microplastic exposure, but standardized measurement methods are still lacking.
This systematic review and bibliometric analysis offer a comprehensive exploration of microplastics (MPs) in indoor air environments up to 2023. This article provides robust insights into the most recent advancements, source identification, and suitable analytical methodologies for emergent indoor pollutants. The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The selection procedure involved searching three prestigious journal databases, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, with a variety of search queries and stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. The bibliometric analysis provides a quantitative assessment of the global research output, revealing a notable upsurge in scholarly activity commencing in 2017, potentially catalysed by the heightened awareness of indoor air quality issues amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Key publication sources, such as “Science of the Total Environment” and “Environmental Pollution,” are outlined to shed light on the academic conduits in this field. In addition, the analysis reveals a hierarchy of research output, with China at the top of the list, followed by Australia, Iran, and Spain. Collaborative research efforts between the United States and China have become a prominent feature of the research landscape as a result of this prolific output. The review highlights the need for standardised protocols in the collection, preparation, and examination of indoor MP samples. The significant role ventilation systems play in the dispersion dynamics of MPs in confined spaces is evaluated. Regarding the prospective sources and properties of indoor MPs, this review's findings can raise awareness among architects, interior designers and product designers, as well as researchers.
More Papers Like This
Indoor microplastics: a comprehensive review and bibliometric analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes research on microplastic pollution inside buildings, where people spend most of their time. Indoor environments generally have higher microplastic concentrations than outdoors, with fiber-shaped particles from synthetic textiles being the most common type. Since people inhale and ingest these particles daily, indoor microplastic exposure may be a significant and underappreciated route of human health risk.
Critical review on airborne microplastics: An indoor air contaminant of emerging concern
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on microplastics floating in indoor air, finding that synthetic textiles, flooring materials, and increased use of plastic protective equipment since the pandemic are major sources. Indoor microplastic levels can be higher than outdoor levels, and inhaling these particles has been linked to respiratory, immune, and nervous system concerns. The findings highlight that people face significant microplastic exposure simply from breathing the air in their own homes and workplaces.
Indoor Microplastics: A Comprehensive Review and Bibliometric Analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
This comprehensive review and bibliometric analysis summarizes research on indoor microplastic contamination, covering sampling methods, identification techniques, and concentration levels in dust, deposition, and air samples. Fiber-shaped microplastics are the most commonly detected indoors, with dust and deposition samples showing higher concentrations than air samples.
Systematic review of microplastics and nanoplastics in indoor and outdoor air: identifying a framework and data needs for quantifying human inhalation exposures
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review is the first to examine microplastic levels in both indoor and outdoor air and estimate how much people inhale. The findings suggest we are breathing in microplastic particles daily, with indoor air often containing higher concentrations due to synthetic textiles and household materials.
Airborne microplastics: Occurrence, sources, fate, risks and mitigation
AI summary Read the abstract
This review compiles findings from over 140 studies on airborne microplastics, covering their sources, distribution, and health risks in both indoor and outdoor environments. Researchers found that indoor environments often have higher microplastic concentrations than outdoor air, with textiles and building materials being major sources. The study highlights growing evidence that inhaled microplastics may pose respiratory health risks and calls for standardized measurement methods.
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.