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Airborne Microplastics: A Review Study on Method for Analysis, Occurrence, Movement and Risks
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This review summarizes methods for sampling, identifying, and quantifying airborne microplastics in indoor and outdoor environments, noting that only seven studies had been published by the time of writing. Airborne microplastics are an important exposure route because people breathe them continuously, and early studies show they are ubiquitous in both indoor and outdoor air.
Microplastics (of size < 5mm) pollution in our environment is of current concern by researchers, public media and non-governmental organizations. Implications by their presence in aquatic and soil ecosystems have been well studied and documented, but less attention has been paid on airborne microplastics (MPs). Studies concerning airborne microplastics started from 2016 and only a few (n=7) have been published till date. Although, studies may increase in the following years, since air is very important for human survival. Microplastics have been observed in atmospheric fallouts in indoor and outdoor environments using a sampling or vacuum pump, rain sampler and/or particulate fallout collector. Identification and quantification have been carried out by visual, spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. Factors such as meterological, climatic and anthropogenic influence the distribution and movement of airborne MP. Human exposure may be through inhalation or dermal route with their potential biopersistence and translocation. Ingestion may cause localized inflammation and cancer due to responses by the immune cells, especially in individuals with compromised metabolism and poor clearance mechanisms. Ecological risks involve possible contamination of the ecosystem through a dynamic relationship of MPs in soil, water and air forming a MP contamination cycle. The present review aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of current knowledge or information regarding microplastics in air, identifies gap in knowledge and give suggestions for future research.
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Tiny plastic bits called microplastics are floating in the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors, mostly from everyday human activities. This review pulls together what scientists currently know about where these particles come from, how they travel, and how we might be exposed to them. The health risks are still being studied, but understanding this exposure matters since we're breathing these particles in daily, often without realizing it.
Airborne microplastics: a review study on method for analysis, occurrence, movement and risks
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This review compiles findings from early studies on airborne microplastics, examining how they are sampled, identified, transported, and deposited in both indoor and outdoor environments. Researchers found that meteorological conditions, climate, and human activities all influence the distribution of atmospheric microplastics, which can be inhaled or settle onto food. The study warns that inhaled microplastics may cause localized inflammation and other health effects, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
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This review summarized the sampling methods, occurrence, composition, sources, and health risks of atmospheric microplastics. Researchers found that airborne microplastics are detected both indoors and outdoors, with fibers being the most common shape, and that inhalation represents an important but understudied exposure pathway. The study suggests that atmospheric transport plays a significant role in the global distribution of microplastic pollution.
Airborne microplastics: Occurrence, sources, fate, risks and mitigation
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This review compiles findings from over 140 studies on airborne microplastics, covering their sources, distribution, and health risks in both indoor and outdoor environments. Researchers found that indoor environments often have higher microplastic concentrations than outdoor air, with textiles and building materials being major sources. The study highlights growing evidence that inhaled microplastics may pose respiratory health risks and calls for standardized measurement methods.
A review of atmospheric microplastics pollution: In-depth sighting of sources, analytical methods, physiognomies, transport and risks
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This review provides an in-depth analysis of atmospheric microplastic pollution, examining sources, detection methods, physical characteristics, transport mechanisms, and health risks. Researchers found that indoor environments tend to contain higher concentrations of airborne microplastics than outdoor settings, and that current detection methods are limited in their ability to capture the smallest particles. The study emphasizes the need for standardized sampling procedures and more research into the health effects of inhaling microplastic particles.
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