We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Occurrence and exposure assessment of microplastics in indoor dusts of buildings with different applications in Bushehr and Shiraz cities, Iran
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic levels in indoor dust from homes, mosques, hospitals, kindergartens, and universities in two Iranian cities, finding an average of 80 to 90 particles per milligram of dust. Kindergartens had the highest concentrations, and polyethylene fibers were the most common type across all buildings. The study found that infants in kindergartens face the highest daily microplastic exposure from breathing and accidentally swallowing indoor dust.
The increase in annual usage of plastics for different purposes has led to an increase in microplastics (MPs) particles in various environments including inside of buildings. In the present study, levels and characteristics of MPs in the indoor dust of buildings with different uses including residential house, mosque, hospital, kindergarten, and university in two cities, Bushehr port and Shiraz in Iran, were determined. Thirty dust samples from various buildings were collected. The average numbers of MPs in the indoor dust of buildings of Shiraz and Bushehr were 90.8 and 80.8 items/mg, respectively. Fiber and polyethylene (PE) were the most common shape and polymer types of identified MPs, respectively. The highest number of MPs was observed in the indoor dust of kindergartens with a mean number of 121 items/mg in Bushehr and 104 items/mg in Shiraz. Except for mosques, a significant difference (p-value <0.05) were not observed between the MPs levels of buildings with similar applications in Bushehr and Shiraz cities. In addition, the high daily intake to MPs via indoor dust ingestion and inhalation were found for infants in kindergartens and mosques. The results of this study showed that MPs are present in high concentrations in indoor environments and may pose a high exposure risk for different age groups.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in dust from different indoor environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic levels in indoor dust across different types of buildings, finding that residential apartments had the highest concentrations at over 1,100 particles per gram of dust. Polyester fibers were the most common type in homes and hotels, while offices and classrooms had more polyethylene and polypropylene. The study estimated that infants face the highest daily microplastic intake from breathing indoor dust, roughly 30 times more per body weight than adults.
The Occurrence and Abundance of Microplastics in Dust Settled in Indoor and Outdoor Environments of Residential Houses in Kermanshah
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastics in dust from homes in Kermanshah, Iran, finding them in every sample — with indoor levels significantly higher than outdoor levels and concentrations ranging up to 4,480 particles per square meter, suggesting people are regularly breathing microplastic-contaminated air inside their own homes.
Microplastic occurrence in settled indoor dust in schools
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in settled indoor dust collected from 28 schools and found an average of 195 particles per gram of dust. The most common particles were white polyester and polypropylene fibers likely shed from textiles and furnishings. The study highlights that children in school settings face meaningful microplastic exposure through dust inhalation and incidental ingestion.
Assessment of Indoor Microplastic Particles Pollution in Selected Sites of Mosul City
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed indoor microplastic pollution across 90 locations in Mosul, Iraq, including kindergartens, hospitals, offices, and shops. They found the highest microplastic levels in kindergartens and the lowest in medical clinics, with fibers being the most common shape. Polystyrene, PET, and polypropylene were the dominant plastic types, suggesting that indoor environments are a meaningful source of human microplastic exposure.
Unveiling the hidden pollutants in the indoor environment: Focus on microplastic pollution and its related risks in the educational institutions of megacity, Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic pollution in classroom dust at educational institutions in Dhaka, Bangladesh, finding significant levels of contamination in indoor environments where children spend much of their day. The most common particles were fibers from synthetic textiles, and the concentrations varied based on room type and ventilation. Since children breathe closer to the ground and have developing lungs, this indoor microplastic exposure is a health concern that deserves attention.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.