We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and their Additives in the Indoor Environment
Summary
This study examines microplastic contamination in indoor environments, including sources like household product abrasion, 3D printing emissions, and synthetic materials used in sports facilities. Researchers found that indoor air and house dust contain significant levels of microplastics that people are regularly exposed to. The findings highlight that indoor microplastic exposure is a largely overlooked hygiene concern that warrants further investigation.
Analyses of air and house dust have shown that pollution of the indoor environment with microplastics could pose a fundamental hygienic problem. Indoor microplastics can result from abrasion, microplastic beads are frequently added to household products and microplastic granules can be found in artificial turf for sports activities and in synthetic admixtures in equestrian hall litter. In this context, the question arose as to what extent particulate emissions of thermoplastic materials from 3D printing should be at least partially classified as microplastics or nanoplastics. The discussion about textiles as a possible source of indoor microplastics has also been intensified. This Minireview gives an overview of the current exposure of residents to microplastics. Trends can be identified from the results and preventive measures can be derived if necessary. It is recommended that microplastics and their additives be given greater consideration in indoor environmental surveys in the future.