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Airborne Microplastics: A Review on the Occurrence, Migration and Risks to Humans

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 2021 137 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 60 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Yi Wang, Feng Zhu Feng Zhu Feng Zhu Feng Zhu Jian Huang, Feng Zhu Feng Zhu Feng Zhu Feng Zhu Feng Zhu Feng Zhu Shaoda Zhou, Feng Zhu Shaoda Zhou, Feng Zhu Shaoda Zhou, Shaoda Zhou, Feng Zhu Feng Zhu Feng Zhu Feng Zhu Shaoda Zhou, Feng Zhu Shaoda Zhou, Feng Zhu Feng Zhu Feng Zhu

Summary

This review examines the growing concern of airborne microplastics, which are mostly fiber-shaped particles originating from synthetic textiles. Researchers found that these tiny plastic particles can be inhaled directly by humans and also contribute to microplastic contamination in water and soil environments. The study highlights the need for more research to better understand the health risks posed by breathing in airborne microplastics.

As emerging environmental contaminants, microplastics may cause potential hazard to global ecosphere (including water, soil and air) and human health. To date, the occurance and ecological effects of microplastics in water and soil were systematically summarized. However, there are few reviews of microplastics in air (i.e. airborne microplastics). Recently, microplastics have been observed in atmospheric fallout collected from some areas. Although the studies are limited, most of the researches showed that synthetic textiles are the main source of airborne microplastics, and fibers are the dominant shape. Airborne microplastics are contributors to microplastic pollution in aquatic and soil environments. In addition, airborne microplastics can be directly inhaled and posed health risks to humans. Therefore, this review summarized the current knowledge and provide insights into further research to better understand airborne microplastics and their risks to human.

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