We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Laundry and dry cleaning environments as a source of microplastics
ClearCharacterising microplastics in indoor air: Insights from Raman imaging analysis of air filter samples
Researchers analyzed air filters from an air conditioner and a computer that had been running indoors for half a year and found they had collected an estimated 73 to 88,000 microplastic fibers each. Most of the identified microplastics were PET fibers likely shed from synthetic clothing and textiles. This study confirms that people are continuously breathing in microplastic fibers in their homes and offices, and suggests air filters could serve as monitors for indoor microplastic exposure.
Airborne emissions of microplastic fibres from domestic laundry dryers
Domestic tumble dryers were confirmed as a source of airborne microplastic fibers, with samples taken during operation containing significantly more fibers than background air levels. The study is the first to measure microplastic fiber emissions from mechanical drying, identifying indoor air as a key exposure environment.
Commercial clothes dryers: a source of microfiber emissions to air
Researchers quantified microfiber emissions from commercial clothes dryers and measured deposition patterns around laundromats, identifying commercial dryers as a significant and poorly studied source of airborne microplastic pollution.
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.
Correlating Scanning Electron Microscopy and Raman Microscopy to Quantify Occupational Exposure to Micro- and Nanoscale Plastics in Textile Manufacturing
Researchers used a correlative SEM-Raman microscopy approach to quantify airborne micro- and nanoplastic particle exposure during polyester microfiber production in a textile manufacturing facility. The study found that sub-micrometer particles dominated the workplace aerosol, with PET being the main process-related nanoplastic type, providing substance-specific occupational exposure data that has been largely lacking in this field.
Unravelling the microplastic contamination: A comprehensive analysis of microplastics in indoor house dust
This study provides a detailed analysis of microplastics found in indoor house dust, where people spend most of their time. Fibers were the most common type found, originating from textiles, carpets, and clothing, with plastic sizes and types varying across different household areas. The findings highlight that everyday indoor environments are a significant source of microplastic exposure through inhalation and ingestion of dust.
Characterization of Airborne Microplastic Particles Collected from the Textile Workplaces Environment
Researchers characterized airborne microplastic particles collected from textile workplace environments, documenting the size, morphology, polymer types, and concentrations of synthetic fiber fragments that textile workers inhale during production, highlighting occupational exposure risks.
Microplastics monitoring in different environments: separation, physicochemical characterization, and quantification
Researchers systematically monitored microplastic contamination across multiple environments including a wastewater treatment plant, surrounding water bodies, and soils near plastic factories, characterizing shape, size, color, and polymer composition via microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. They found fragments and fibers to be the most common microplastic shapes in water environments and documented simultaneous contamination across all sampled matrices.
Field Survey of Indoor Microplastic in Four Regions of Japan
Researchers surveyed indoor microplastic contamination in residential house dust across four regions of Japan, using micro-FTIR spectroscopy to identify multiple polymer types — including polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene — in settled floor dust, extending previous Tokyo-focused findings to a national scale.
PM10 microplastics in indoor air: assessment of human exposure by inhalation in residential and car cabin environments
This study measured inhalable PM10-sized microplastics (1–10 µm) in indoor air from residential homes and car cabins using Raman spectroscopy. The researchers assessed how much of these lung-penetrating particles people inhale daily in everyday indoor environments.
Exploring microplastics sources in indoor environments, an emerging pollutant
This study explores microplastics as an emerging indoor air and surface pollutant, examining the diverse sources that contribute to microplastic presence within indoor environments and characterizing the pathways by which people may be exposed.
Assessment of Indoor Microplastic Particles Pollution in Selected Sites of Mosul City
Researchers surveyed indoor microplastic pollution across 90 locations in Mosul, Iraq, including kindergartens, hospitals, offices, and shops. They found the highest microplastic levels in kindergartens and the lowest in medical clinics, with fibers being the most common shape. Polystyrene, PET, and polypropylene were the dominant plastic types, suggesting that indoor environments are a meaningful source of human microplastic exposure.
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.
Source apportionment of microplastics in indoor dust: Two strategies based on shape and composition
Researchers developed a shape-based index using laser direct infrared analysis of over 100,000 microplastic particles in indoor dust from 39 Chinese cities to quantify the contribution of textile fiber shedding as a source of indoor microplastic contamination.
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.
Microplastics/microfibers in settled indoor house dust—exploratory case study for 10 residential houses in the Kanto area of Japan
Researchers conducted the first survey of indoor microplastics in settled house dust from Japanese homes, finding large quantities of cellulose, PET, polyethylene, and other polymer particles using complementary FTIR and laser infrared analysis methods.
Study of airborne microplastics emissions in workplaces
Researchers measured airborne microplastic emissions in occupational settings, finding that workplaces can be significant sources of MP exposure through inhalation. The study characterized particle size, composition, and concentration of MPs in workplace air across different industrial environments.
Morphological and chemical analysis of indoor airborne microplastics: implications for human health in Ahvaz, Iran
Researchers analyzed airborne microplastics inside homes, offices, and commercial buildings in Ahvaz, Iran, finding significant concentrations that vary by building type and season. Using Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy, they identified various polymer types and estimated annual inhaled doses based on typical occupancy patterns. The study found that people may be inhaling meaningful amounts of microplastics indoors, where they spend most of their time, posing potential respiratory and other health risks.
Characteristics and influencing factors of airborne microplastics in nail salons
Researchers measured airborne microplastic concentrations in nail salons and found average levels of 46 particles per cubic meter, significantly higher than typical indoor environments. The predominant microplastic types were acrylic, rubber, and polyurethane fragments smaller than 50 micrometers, linked to nail treatment materials and plastic building features. The study suggests that nail salon workers face elevated microplastic exposure, with an estimated annual inhalation of nearly 68,000 particles.
Spectroscopic Analysis of Microplastic Fibers Released During Laundry Washing Cycle
Researchers analyzed microplastic fibers released from synthetic textiles during laundry washing cycles using FTIR spectroscopy, demonstrating that spectroscopic identification of fiber polymer type is feasible and identifying key fiber release characteristics from different fabric types.
Microplastics comparison of indoor and outdoor air and ventilation rate effect in outskirts of the Seoul metropolitan city
Researchers measured airborne microplastics both indoors and outdoors in buildings near Seoul, finding that indoor concentrations were 1.8 times higher than outdoor levels. Polyester fibers from clothing and furnishings were the most common type, and lower ventilation rates led to higher indoor microplastic levels, meaning the air people breathe at home and work may be a significant source of microplastic exposure.
Correlating SEM and Raman Microscopy to Quantify Occupational Exposure to Micro- and Nanoscale Plastics in Textile Manufacturing
Researchers quantified airborne particle exposure during the processing of polyester textile materials at the start and end of work shifts, combining online monitoring with microscopic filter analysis. Small particles dominated numerically, but larger particles contributed disproportionately to mass, raising occupational exposure concerns for workers handling synthetic textiles.
Study on Microplastics by Types of Laundry Detergent
Researchers analysed microplastic content in five types of laundry detergent -- coin, sheet, liquid, capsule, and powder -- using FT-IR microscopy and digital microscopy after standardised pretreatment. Sheet detergents contained the highest microplastic loads at 39.0 particles per 10 g, while coin detergents had the lowest at 4.3 particles per 10 g, with most particles composed of polypropylene and polyethylene.
Characteristics of plastic particles in the industrial environment
This study reviewed exposure routes of textile industry workers to polyester nano/microplastics and characterized polyester particles collected near weaving, knitting, and garment-making workplaces. Laser aerosol spectrometer measurements quantified total suspended particle concentrations and size fractions (PM10, PM2.5, PM1), revealing occupational exposure to microplastics in textile manufacturing settings.