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Human occupational exposure to microplastics: A cross-sectional study in a plastic products manufacturing plant
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Researchers measured microplastic exposure in 19 workers at a plastic products factory in Iran by sampling their skin, hair, and saliva before and after work shifts. They found 4,802 microplastic particles across all samples, with hair collecting the most and saliva the least. The study shows that people working directly with plastics face significantly higher microplastic exposure, and that protective equipment like gloves and masks can help reduce it.
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the natural environment, and their potential impact on health is a key issue of concern. Investigating exposure routes in humans and other living organisms is among the major challenges of microplastics. This study aims to examine the exposure level of plastic factory staff to microplastic particles before and after work shifts through body receptors (hand and facial skin, saliva and hair) in Sirjan, southeast of Iran. Moreover, the effect of face masks, gloves, cosmetics (e.g: face powder cream, lipstick and eye makeup products) and appearance on the exposure level is investigated. In total, 19 individuals are selected during six working days. Then, the collected samples are transferred to the laboratory for filtration, extraction, identification and counting of microplastic particles. Moreover, 4802 microplastic particles (100-5000 μm in size) in strand, polyhedral and spherical shapes and color spectra of white/transparent, black, blue/green, red and purple are observed. The nature of most of the observed samples is fiber with a size ≥1000 μm. Analyzing the selected samples using micro-Raman spectroscopy indicate polyester and nylon are the main identified fibers. Hair and saliva samples have the highest and lowest number of microplastics, respectively. Using gloves and sunscreen among all the participants, wearing a scarf and hair size among women and having a beard and mustache among men could have an effective role in the exposure level to microplastics. Results of this study could reveal the exposure route to microplastic particles in the human body and highlight the importance of providing higher protection to reduce exposure.
More Papers Like This
Human exposure to microplastics: A study in Iran
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Researchers conducted one of the first direct assessments of human microplastic exposure in Iran, collecting samples from the skin, hair, and saliva of 2,000 adults across different regions. They found microplastics present on virtually all participants, with fiber-type particles being the most common and concentrations varying by geographic location and demographic factors. The study provides quantitative evidence that microplastic exposure is widespread across the general population.
Assessment of microplastic exposure in beauty salon employees: analysis of indoor air and nasal lavage fluid in Ardabil, Iran
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Beauty salons had nearly three times more microplastic particles floating in the air than homes did, and researchers actually found these tiny plastic bits in workers' nasal fluid, meaning they're breathing them in regularly. This matters because salon employees may be inhaling over 500 microplastic particles a day just from doing their jobs, raising questions about long-term health risks that scientists are still working to understand.
Occupational Exposure to Elevated Levels of Inhalable Microplastics in Plastic and Fiber Factory Workers
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Researchers measured inhalable microplastic exposure levels among workers in plastic and fiber factories, finding elevated concentrations of particles small enough to penetrate biological membranes and accumulate in tissues. The fraction of microplastics below 20 micrometers is of particular concern because these particles can induce inflammation and cellular damage. The study highlights that occupational settings in the plastics industry may represent a significant route of human microplastic exposure through inhalation.
Occupational exposure to microplastics and heavy metals: a workstation-based study across small-scale, medium-scale, and large-scale plastic manufacturing in Nagpur, India
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Researchers measured occupational exposure to airborne microplastics and heavy metals across small, medium, and large-scale plastic manufacturing facilities in Nagpur, India. They found varying levels of microplastic and metal contamination depending on industry scale and workstation location, with workers in certain areas facing notably higher exposure. The study highlights the need for improved workplace safety measures and exposure monitoring in plastic manufacturing settings.
Exploring Personal Exposure to Airborne Microplastics across Various Work Environments in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand
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Researchers used personal air samplers to measure microplastic exposure across seven different occupations in Thailand during working hours. They found that waste segregation officers had the highest exposure levels, with over 3,900 microplastics per cubic meter of air, while office workers had the lowest at around 130. The study highlights that workplace activities and environmental conditions significantly influence how many breathable microplastic particles workers encounter daily.
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