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Comparison of Microplastic Characteristics in the Indoor and Outdoor Air of Urban Areas of South Korea
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Researchers compared indoor and outdoor airborne microplastic levels across urban South Korea, finding indoor concentrations were about 1.5 times higher than outdoors and that building ventilation rates directly influenced particle accumulation, suggesting ventilation management as a key exposure-reduction strategy.
A diverse range of studies have investigated microplastics in indoor and outdoor air. However, where and how the air was collected differ between studies, as did the methods of separation and analysis. The difference makes it difficult to compare the results of the studies, because the quantity, size, shape, and type of microplastics detected are widely diverse and depend on the detection method. Herein, we studied the number, type, size, and shape of microplastics in air samples collected from the outdoor environment and the indoor environment of buildings with active human activities, such as apartment buildings and offices. The average number of microplastics in the indoor environment was approximately 1.5 times higher than that in the outdoor environment. The indoor ventilation volume affected the amount of microplastics generated, indicating that appropriate ventilation is important for reducing microplastics in indoor environments. This study also sought ways to manage microplastics at their primary sources, which is closely linked with the living environment, by comparing how they are generated in indoor and outdoor environments.
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A Research on Microplastic Presence in Outdoor Air
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Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in outdoor air, confirming that these tiny plastic particles are airborne pollutants present in open environments in significant quantities. This finding suggests that humans may inhale microplastics on a routine basis, adding atmospheric exposure to the dietary routes already documented in food and water.
Atmospheric Microplastics in Outdoor and Indoor Environments
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Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination across outdoor and indoor atmospheric environments, finding that microplastics are pervasive in both settings and that indoor sources — including synthetic textiles and furnishings — contribute meaningfully to inhalation exposure risks for humans.
Airborne Microplastic Pollution in a Highly Urbanized City: Occurrence, Characteristics, Human Exposure and Potential Risks
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Airborne microplastic monitoring in Guangzhou found concentrations averaging 2.5 particles/m³, with fiber-form MPs from synthetic textiles dominant and levels highest near high-traffic areas, translating to estimated human inhalation of 4,100–12,180 particles per year. Quantifying inhalation exposure in megacities is a public health priority given emerging evidence that airborne MPs deposit in lung tissue and may drive respiratory inflammation.
Characterization and sources of indoor and outdoor microplastics and PM2.5: Possible relationships
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Indoor and outdoor atmospheric microplastic deposition was measured at 160 and 241 particles per square meter per day respectively, with black pellets under 80 μm dominating and backward trajectory analysis linking concentrations to wind-driven transport from regional sources. The pervasiveness of airborne microplastics both inside and outside buildings means humans are continuously inhaling particles regardless of behavior, making respiratory exposure a significant and underappreciated health risk.
A Review on Microplastics in Indoor Environments: Techniques for Measurement and Environmental Implications
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This review found that microplastics are widespread in indoor environments including homes, offices, and other enclosed spaces, arriving through air, textiles, and consumer products. Since people spend the majority of their time indoors, indoor microplastic exposure through inhalation and ingestion may be a significant and underappreciated component of total 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.