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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Sign in to save

Airborne Microplastics from Waste as a Transmission Vector for COVID-19

Aerosol and Air Quality Research 2020 40 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Qingyang Liu, James J. Schauer

Summary

Researchers analyzed how airborne microplastics — tiny plastic particles that float in the air — could potentially carry SARS-CoV-2 virus particles and serve as an additional transmission route for COVID-19. The paper argues that contaminated plastic waste and airborne microplastics warrant precautionary management as part of pandemic control strategies.

Occurrences of microplastics (plastic particle < 5 mm) have been observed in various environmental media (e.g., soil, water and air) worldwide, posing a threat to ecological, human, and animal health. Microplastics could also serve as vectors which transport toxic hydrophobic organic compounds around the globe and negatively affect the environmental quality. This paper analyzes the possible link between airborne microplastics from waste that are contaminated with SARS-CoV-2, and the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, measures for controlling the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in airborne microplastics were discussed. Our study indicates that precautionary action regarding the management of contaminated plastic waste should be considered in order to combat the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through airborne microplastic.

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