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Overview on the occurrence of microplastics in air and implications from the use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic
Summary
This review summarizes current knowledge about microplastic occurrence in indoor and outdoor air, finding that indoor environments often contain higher concentrations due to the breakdown of synthetic textiles, furniture, and construction materials. Researchers also examined how face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic may both reduce inhalation of airborne microplastics and introduce new microfiber sources from the masks themselves. The study highlights significant gaps in understanding the health risks of breathing in airborne microplastic particles.
Environmental pollution from microplastics (MPs) in air is a matter of growing concern because of human health implications. Airborne MPs can be directly and continuously inhaled in air environments. Especially high MPs contributions can be found in indoor air due to the erosion and breakage of consumer, domestic and construction products, although there is little information available on their sources and concentrations and the risks they might pose. This is in part due to the fact that sampling and analysis of airborne MPs is a complex and multistep procedure where techniques used are not yet standardized. In this study, we provide an overview on the presence of MPs in indoor air, potential health impacts, the available methods for their sampling and detection and implications from the use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.