We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Human exposure to microplastics: A study in Iran
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted one of the first direct assessments of human microplastic exposure in Iran, collecting samples from the skin, hair, and saliva of 2,000 adults across different regions. They found microplastics present on virtually all participants, with fiber-type particles being the most common and concentrations varying by geographic location and demographic factors. The study provides quantitative evidence that microplastic exposure is widespread across the general population.
Exposure of microplastics (MPs) to a cohort of adults of various demographics from different regions of Iran has been quantitatively assessed. Specifically, MPs were retrieved from filtered washes of the hand and face skin, head hair and saliva of individuals (n = 2000) after an exposure period of 24 h and were counted and, in a selected number of cases, characterised for shape-form and size microscopically. A total of over 16,000 MPs were recorded in the study, with head hair returning the most samples (> 7000, or, on average, >3.5 MPs per individual per day), saliva returning the least samples (about 650, or on average 0.33 MPs per individual), and MPs about twice as high in males than females. The number of MPs was similar amongst residents of different urbanised regions, albeit with evidence of greater quantities captured in more humid settings, and was considerably lower in residents of a remote and sparsely populated area. Polyethylene-polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene fibres of < 100 μm in length, likely derived from clothing and soft furnishings in the indoor setting and a wider range of sources in the exterior environment, were the most abundant type of MP in all body receptors. Daily sampling of receptors from six participants over a seven-day period revealed that, despite these broad trends, both inter- and intra-individual exposure was highly heterogeneous. Although the present study has demonstrated the ubiquity of MP exposure, the resulting impacts on human health are unknown.
More Papers Like This
Human occupational exposure to microplastics: A cross-sectional study in a plastic products manufacturing plant
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic exposure in 19 workers at a plastic products factory in Iran by sampling their skin, hair, and saliva before and after work shifts. They found 4,802 microplastic particles across all samples, with hair collecting the most and saliva the least. The study shows that people working directly with plastics face significantly higher microplastic exposure, and that protective equipment like gloves and masks can help reduce it.
Exploring the microplastic pollution: Unveiling origins and varieties in coastal sediments and waters of the Bushehr Province, Persian Gulf, Iran
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a comprehensive survey of microplastic pollution in coastal sediments and waters along the Persian Gulf in Iran. They found microplastics at all sampling sites, with the highest concentrations near petrochemical facilities and urban centers, and fibers being the most common type. The study establishes baseline pollution data for the region and links contamination levels to specific human activities.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Microplastics in Tap Water Supply Network in Iran
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed tap water samples from the drinking water distribution system in Isfahan, Iran, and found microplastics present in all samples tested. The most common types were fibers made of polyethylene and polypropylene, with concentrations varying across different points in the distribution network. The study estimates human microplastic exposure from tap water consumption in the region and highlights the need for improved water treatment to address this emerging contaminant.
Microplastic pollution in deposited urban dust, Tehran metropolis, Iran
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed street dust samples from Tehran and found significant microplastic contamination, with hundreds of particles per sample ranging from tiny fragments to fibers. They estimated that children and adults inadvertently ingest thousands of microplastic particles per year through contact with contaminated street dust. The study identifies urban dust as a potentially important but overlooked source of human microplastic exposure.
Biomonitoring of microplastics in saliva and hands of young children in kindergartens: identification, quantification, and exposure assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected saliva and hand-swab samples from 100 young children aged 3 to 6 at kindergartens in Iran and found a total of 716 microplastic particles across the samples. The most common types were fibers, and micro-Raman spectroscopy identified multiple polymer types. The study represents one of the first efforts to directly measure microplastic exposure in young children through biological monitoring, highlighting that even young kids encounter these particles in everyday settings.
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.