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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Long-term assessment of microplastics in indoor high school air: Abundance, sources, and polymeric analysis
ClearLong-term assessment of microplastics in indoor high school air: Abundance, sources, and polymeric analysis
This long-term study monitored microplastic concentrations in indoor high school air over multiple years, finding persistent contamination dominated by fibers, with sources including synthetic textiles and suggesting that indoor air is a significant human exposure route.
Airborne microplastic contamination across diverse university indoor environments: A comprehensive ambient analysis
Researchers measured airborne microplastics across different indoor spaces at a university and found that people in those buildings inhale an estimated 180 to 240 microplastic particles daily. The most common types found were nylon, PTFE, polypropylene, and polyethylene, with fragments showing rough edges from wear and tear. This study highlights that indoor air is a significant and often overlooked source of microplastic exposure for people who spend most of their time indoors.
Microplastics in indoor deposition samples in university classrooms
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in dust collected from university classrooms and found particles from clothing fibers, shoes, and school supplies. Most particles were polyamide and polypropylene fibers ranging from 120 to over 2,000 micrometers in size, and surface damage on the particles suggests they may be breaking down into even smaller nanoplastics over time. Since people spend most of their time indoors, this indoor microplastic exposure is an important and underappreciated route of human contact with these particles.
Determination of microplastics in university interior environments
This study measured airborne microplastic concentrations in indoor environments at a university, finding particles in air samples from multiple indoor settings. Results contribute to evidence that indoor air represents a significant daily source of microplastic inhalation exposure, particularly given the time people spend in closed indoor environments.
Characterization and quantification of microplastics in indoor environments
Researchers measured airborne microplastics in indoor spaces including offices, labs, dining halls, and dormitories. Dormitories had the highest microplastic levels, with fibers being the most common shape found. The study highlights that people are regularly inhaling microplastics indoors, where they spend the majority of their time.
Assessing the concentration, distribution and characteristics of suspended microplastics in the Malaysian indoor environment
Researchers measured airborne microplastic levels inside offices, classrooms, apartments, and homes across Malaysia over six weeks. Microplastics were found in every indoor environment tested, with fibers being the most common type, and people in homes were estimated to inhale more microplastics daily than those in offices or classrooms. The findings highlight that indoor air is a significant and often overlooked source of microplastic exposure for people.
Microplastic occurrence in settled indoor dust in schools
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in settled indoor dust collected from 28 schools and found an average of 195 particles per gram of dust. The most common particles were white polyester and polypropylene fibers likely shed from textiles and furnishings. The study highlights that children in school settings face meaningful microplastic exposure through dust inhalation and incidental ingestion.
Longitudinal Analysis of Airborne Microplastics and Cellulosic Fibers on a University Campus in Western Canada
Researchers monitored airborne microplastics and cellulosic fibers at indoor and outdoor locations on a Canadian university campus over 13 months. The study found that outdoor environments had higher concentrations of both total particles and microplastics than indoor spaces, with polyester and polyamide being the most common polymers from synthetic textiles. Seasonal patterns showed indoor microplastic levels peaking in summer, likely influenced by regional wildfires driving people indoors.
Unveiling the hidden pollutants in the indoor environment: Focus on microplastic pollution and its related risks in the educational institutions of megacity, Bangladesh
Researchers measured microplastic pollution in classroom dust at educational institutions in Dhaka, Bangladesh, finding significant levels of contamination in indoor environments where children spend much of their day. The most common particles were fibers from synthetic textiles, and the concentrations varied based on room type and ventilation. Since children breathe closer to the ground and have developing lungs, this indoor microplastic exposure is a health concern that deserves attention.
Determination of microplastics in university interior environments
This study measured microplastic concentrations in indoor air at university facilities, building on evidence that indoor environments are significant sites of microplastic exposure through inhalation. Particles were detected in multiple indoor settings, contributing to growing evidence that daily indoor air exposure is a notable route of human microplastic intake.
Airborne Microplastics in Indoor and Outdoor Environments at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Campus
Researchers collected airborne microplastic samples from indoor and outdoor environments at a Malaysian university campus, finding microplastics present in all locations with higher concentrations indoors and fiber morphologies predominating, suggesting occupants are continually exposed via inhalation.
Comparative analysis of indoor and outdoor airborne microplastics in a school in Vilnius, Lithuania
Researchers compared indoor and outdoor airborne microplastic contamination at a school in Vilnius, Lithuania over five months. The study found distinct differences in composition: indoor air was dominated by polyester and acrylates from textiles and coatings, while outdoor air contained primarily polyethylene and polypropylene from traffic and packaging sources, raising concerns about prolonged exposure for children in school environments.
Characterization of microplastics in indoor and ambient air in northern New Jersey
Researchers characterized airborne microplastics in both indoor and outdoor environments across northern New Jersey, finding fibers, films, and fragments of common plastic types in offices, classrooms, hallways, and homes. Indoor microplastic concentrations were generally higher than outdoor levels, with deposition rates varying by location and particle size. The study adds to growing evidence that indoor air is a significant pathway for human microplastic exposure through inhalation.
Airborne microplastics and plastic additives in a school environment: identification, quantification, and associated inhalation risks
Researchers measured airborne microplastic levels inside and outside a school near a plastics factory in Portugal and found that indoor concentrations were significantly higher than outdoor levels. Six types of plastic polymers were identified in classroom air, along with co-occurring pollutants like phthalates and pesticides. The study estimates daily inhalation exposure for children and highlights that kids may be breathing in microplastics throughout the school day.
Temporal Variations and Characteristics of Microplastics in Indoor and Outdoor Air
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in indoor and outdoor air across different seasons and found levels were similar in both environments, averaging about 1.8–2.7 particles per cubic meter. The dominant plastic type was PET, and turbulent airflow and human activity — not season or day of week — were the main drivers of indoor microplastic levels.
Exploration of microplastic concentration in indoor and outdoor air samples: Morphological, polymeric, and elemental analysis
Researchers measured airborne microplastics in indoor and outdoor environments in Islamabad, Pakistan, finding that indoor air contained nearly five times more microplastics than outdoor air. Classrooms had the highest contamination at about 6 particles per cubic meter, with fibers being the most common shape and polyester (PET) the most common plastic type. These findings highlight that people are continuously inhaling microplastics, especially indoors.
Indoor microplastics: a comprehensive review and bibliometric analysis
This review summarizes research on microplastic pollution inside buildings, where people spend most of their time. Indoor environments generally have higher microplastic concentrations than outdoors, with fiber-shaped particles from synthetic textiles being the most common type. Since people inhale and ingest these particles daily, indoor microplastic exposure may be a significant and underappreciated route of human health risk.
Study of suspended microplastics in indoor air to assess human exposure through inhalation
Researchers investigated suspended microplastics in indoor air to assess the extent of human exposure through inhalation. The study quantified airborne microplastic particles in indoor settings, providing data on a potentially important but understudied route of daily microplastic intake for the general population.
Airborne microplastics in indoor and outdoor environments of a developing country in South Asia: abundance, distribution, morphology, and possible sources
Researchers quantified airborne microplastic concentrations in indoor and outdoor environments in a South Asian developing country, characterizing particle abundance, size distribution, morphology, and potential sources, finding significant microplastic air pollution in a lower-middle-income country context.
Microplastic characterization based on the number of occupants
Microplastics were found in indoor dust from an apartment, office, and school in Surabaya, Indonesia, with school environments having the highest concentrations. The findings confirm that people — especially children — are continuously exposed to microplastics through the air they breathe indoors.
Atmospheric microplastics deposition assessment in a countryside municipality in Southeastern Brazil: A case study at a state elementary school
Microplastic particles were detected in both outdoor and indoor air at a Brazilian elementary school over a two-year period, with outdoor concentrations reaching up to 168 particles per square meter per day. Most indoor particles were polyester fragments and fibers, likely from synthetic clothing and school supplies. This study is significant because children — who breathe more air relative to their body weight and spend substantial time indoors — represent a particularly vulnerable population for microplastic inhalation exposure.
First overview of microplastics in indoor and outdoor air
This study provided one of the first comprehensive overviews of microplastic contamination in both indoor and outdoor air, establishing that microplastics are airborne and that indoor environments may have higher concentrations than outdoors due to synthetic materials and textiles. The findings raised new concerns about inhalation as a pathway for human microplastic exposure.
Morphological and Chemical Analysis of Indoor Airborne Microplastics: Implications for Human Health in Ahvaz, Iran
Researchers collected indoor airborne microplastics and performed detailed morphological and chemical characterization, assessing the particle types, polymer identities, and surface properties of what people inhale in enclosed spaces. The study found a diverse mixture of synthetic fiber fragments and plastic particles in indoor air.
Critical review on airborne microplastics: An indoor air contaminant of emerging concern
This review summarizes existing research on microplastics floating in indoor air, finding that synthetic textiles, flooring materials, and increased use of plastic protective equipment since the pandemic are major sources. Indoor microplastic levels can be higher than outdoor levels, and inhaling these particles has been linked to respiratory, immune, and nervous system concerns. The findings highlight that people face significant microplastic exposure simply from breathing the air in their own homes and workplaces.