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Nano/microplastics in indoor air: A critical review of synthesis routes for toxicity testing and preventative measure strategies
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This review highlights that indoor air can contain up to 100 times more pollution than outdoor air, and people may inhale up to 130 tiny plastic particles every day. The authors discuss how airborne micro- and nanoplastics from clothing, carpets, furniture, and other household items can enter the lungs and potentially cause disease. The paper also proposes a new approach using specialized air filters to detect, trap, and absorb nanoplastics from indoor air.
A future without plastic is difficult to imagine. Plastics are ubiquitous in every aspect of our lives, including cosmetics, clothing, packaging, toys, furniture, pigments, and carpets. Microplastic pollution of the oceans has had deadly consequences worldwide. However, few realize that micro-nanoplastics (MnPs) are also a significant contributor to airborne pollution. Indoor air pollution can be up to 100 times higher than outdoor air pollution. Every day, we inhale up to 130 small plastic particulates, and the concentration of MnPs in all environments is steadily rising. Several studies have investigated the presence of MnPs in aquatic environments, but few have focused on indoor airborne MnPs. This study aims to investigate the origins, movement patterns, and repercussions of airborne MnPs. Additionally, it seeks to understand the mechanisms through which MnPs can infiltrate living organisms and impact their various body parts, potentially resulting in multiple diseases and significant health risks. Here, we discuss the synthesis of micro-nanoplastic routes of different polymers to prepare nanoplastics for examination of their toxicological effects by in vivo and in vitro testing. We also propose a unique remediation method to control MnP particles in indoor air using DTA (detect, trap, and adsorb) technology. We have outlined a variety of effective materials that can trap and adsorb nanoplastics. We recommend fabricating air filters using electrospinning devices and employing these efficient materials to create multifunctional filters for use in commercial air purifiers. We encourage researchers to open new paths in this research to control MnPs in indoor air. In future research, environmental suitability can be achieved through the adoption of biodegradable fibers and by considering the use of nanobiomaterials. Additionally, the potential release of MnPs and addressing the issue of material detachment from air filters in future research endeavors.
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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.
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This review summarizes existing research on microplastics found indoors, including their sources, types, and measured concentrations in various studies. It discusses how airborne microplastic particles may enter the body through breathing or contact with eyes, associated health conditions, and methods used to detect these particles in air, along with ideas for reducing the problem.
Indoor Airborne Microplastics: Sources, Human Exposure Pathways and Health Risks
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles found indoors, which come from items like clothing, carpets, paints and household goods. It describes how these particles can be breathed in and reach the lungs and bloodstream, and discusses possible health effects along with current gaps in knowledge and possible mitigation strategies.
Critical review on airborne microplastics: An indoor air contaminant of emerging concern
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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 Airborne Microplastics: Human Health Importance and Effects of Air Filtration and Turbulence
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This review examines airborne microplastics in indoor environments, where people spend most of their time and where microplastic concentrations are higher than outdoors. Most indoor airborne microplastics are textile fibers small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they can enter the bloodstream and reach other organs. The authors discuss how air filtration and airflow patterns affect indoor microplastic levels, noting that breathing in microplastics may pose greater health risks than consuming them in food and drink.
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