We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Air conditioner filters become sinks and sources of indoor microplastics fibers
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how air conditioner filters in indoor spaces act as both collectors and sources of microplastic fibers. They found that filters accumulated significant quantities of microplastics over time, with dormitories showing the heaviest buildup, and that used filters could release trapped microplastic fibers back into indoor air. The study estimates that daily human intake of microplastics from AC filters could reach up to 44 particles per kilogram of body weight per day after 70 days of use.
Indoor airborne microplastics fibers (MPFs) are emerging contaminants of growing concern. Nowadays, air conditioners (ACs) are widely used in indoor environments. However, little is known about their impact on the distribution of indoor MPFs. In this study, we first disclosed the prevalence of MPF contamination in filters for indoor split ACs used in living rooms, dormitories, and offices. The average density of microfibers was 1.47-21.4 × 10 items/cm, and a total 27.7-35.0% of fibers were MPFs. Of these fibers, the majority were polyester (45.3%), rayon (27.8%), and cellophane (20.1%). We further tracked the long-term accumulation of MPFs on AC filters in three types of rooms, and demonstrated that dormitories showed relatively heavy accumulation especially after running for 35-42 days. Furthermore, we found that simulative AC filters which had been lined with PET MPFs could effectively release those MPFs into indoor air, propelling them away from the ACs at varying distances. Statistical analysis showed that the estimated daily intake of MPFs (5-5000 μm length) from AC filters would increase gradually with their usage, with the intake volume reaching up to 11.2 ± 2.2-44.0 ± 8.9 items/kg-BW/day by the 70th day, although this number varied among people of different ages. Altogether, these findings suggest that AC filters can act as both a sink and a source of microplastics fibers. Therefore, AC filters should be evaluated not only for their substantial impact on the distribution of indoor airborne MPFs, but also for their role in the prevalence of the related health risks.
More Papers Like This
Characterising microplastics in indoor air: Insights from Raman imaging analysis of air filter samples
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed air filters from an air conditioner and a computer that had been running indoors for half a year and found they had collected an estimated 73 to 88,000 microplastic fibers each. Most of the identified microplastics were PET fibers likely shed from synthetic clothing and textiles. This study confirms that people are continuously breathing in microplastic fibers in their homes and offices, and suggests air filters could serve as monitors for indoor microplastic exposure.
Study of suspended microplastics in indoor air to assess human exposure through inhalation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated suspended microplastics in indoor air to assess the extent of human exposure through inhalation. The study quantified airborne microplastic particles in indoor settings, providing data on a potentially important but understudied route of daily microplastic intake for the general population.
Indoor Airborne Microplastics: Human Health Importance and Effects of Air Filtration and Turbulence
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines airborne microplastics in indoor environments, where people spend most of their time and where microplastic concentrations are higher than outdoors. Most indoor airborne microplastics are textile fibers small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they can enter the bloodstream and reach other organs. The authors discuss how air filtration and airflow patterns affect indoor microplastic levels, noting that breathing in microplastics may pose greater health risks than consuming them in food and drink.
Airborne microplastic contamination across diverse university indoor environments: A comprehensive ambient analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured airborne microplastics across different indoor spaces at a university and found that people in those buildings inhale an estimated 180 to 240 microplastic particles daily. The most common types found were nylon, PTFE, polypropylene, and polyethylene, with fragments showing rough edges from wear and tear. This study highlights that indoor air is a significant and often overlooked source of microplastic exposure for people who spend most of their time indoors.
Microplastic Fallout in Different Indoor Environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked microplastic fallout in indoor environments (dormitory, office, corridor) over three months and found that higher human activity on workdays and airflow from air conditioning increased microplastic deposition rates, identifying indoor air as a significant exposure route.
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.