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Microplastics in total atmospheric fallout: from lockdown to business-as-usual

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) 2023
Max Beaurepaire, Rachid Dris, Johnny Gaspéri, Bruno Tassin

Summary

Scientists measured how much tiny plastic dust falls from the air before and during COVID lockdowns, when there was much less traffic and factory activity. Surprisingly, the amount of microplastics falling from the sky didn't drop much, suggesting these particles can travel long distances and linger in the air rather than coming only from nearby daily activities. This matters because it means we're likely breathing in these tiny plastic particles regularly no matter where we live, making it harder to simply reduce our exposure by cutting local pollution sources alone.

International audience

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