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Underestimated activity-based microplastic intake under scenario-specific exposures
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Researchers developed a method to estimate daily microplastic intake from breathing and dust ingestion based on real-world measurements and people's activity patterns. They found that nearly 80% of microplastic intake comes from indoor residential environments, with activity intensity and behavior patterns significantly influencing exposure levels. The study suggests that previous estimates of human microplastic exposure may have been substantially underestimated.
Despite increasing alarms over the health impacts of microplastics (MPs) due to their detection in human organs and feces, precise exposure evaluations remain scarce. To comprehend their risks, there is a distinct need to prioritize quantitive estimates in MP exposome, particularly at the environmentally-realistic level. Here we used a method rooted in real-world MP measurements and activity patterns to determine the daily intake of MPs through inhalation and from ground dust/soil ingestion. We found that nearly 80% of this intake comes from residential sectors, with activity intensity and behavioral types significantly affecting the human MP burden. The data showed a peak in MP exposure for those aged 18-64. When compared to dietary MP intake sources like seafood, salt, and water, we identified a previously underestimated exposure from inhalation and dust/soil ingestion, emphasizing the need for more realistic evaluations that incorporate activity factors. This discovery raises questions about the accuracy of past studies and underscores MP's potential health risks. Moreover, our time-based simulations revealed increased MP intake during the COVID-19 lockdown due to more surface dust ingestion, shedding light on how global health crises may inadvertently elevate MP exposure risks.
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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.
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Using probability-based modeling, researchers estimated that humans inhale over 1,200 micro- and nanoplastic particles per day, with indoor environments being the primary source of exposure. Children face higher exposure relative to their body weight, and the annual intake of airborne microplastics is estimated at around 13 milligrams per person, highlighting inhalation as a major and previously underappreciated route of human microplastic 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.
Simulating human exposure to indoor airborne microplastics using a Breathing Thermal Manikin
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Researchers used a breathing thermal manikin to simulate human exposure to airborne microplastics inside three apartments and found that every sample contained microplastic particles. Polyester and polyamide fibers from textiles were the most common types detected. The study estimates that people inhale meaningful quantities of microplastics indoors, identifying a significant but understudied route of human exposure.
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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.