Microplastic: A particulate matter(PM) generated by deterioration of building materials

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Indoor Air Quality

Background:

• Particulate matter (PM) poses risks to indoor air quality.
• Building materials are a potential source of indoor PM.
• Understanding PM composition and generation is crucial for remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify particles generated from deteriorating building materials.
• To analyze the composition of fine dust particles.
• To assess the relationship between material deterioration and PM generation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an SPS30 PM sensor in a controlled chamber.
• Quantified PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations.
• Analyzed the chemical composition of collected PM, including high-molecular-weight compounds.

Main Results:

• Significant levels of PM10 (up to 41.95 mg/m³) and PM2.5 (up to 20.63 mg/m³) were generated.
• Detected particles composed of carbon, hydrogen, and silicon.
• Identified particles ≤ 2.5 µm, suggesting potential nanoplastic formation.

Conclusions:

• Deteriorating building materials are a source of inhalable particulate matter.
• The study identified key components of PM from these materials.
• Further investigation into nanoplastic generation from building materials is warranted.