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International quantification of microplastics in indoor dust: prevalence, exposure and risk assessment
Neda Sharifi Soltani1, Mark Patrick Taylor2, Scott Paton Wilson3
1School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia.
Abstract:
This international scale study measured the prevalence of indoor microplastics (MPs) in deposited dust in 108 homes from 29 countries over a 1-month period. Dust borne MPs shape, colour, and length were determined using microscopy and the composition measured using μFTIR. Human health exposure and risk was assessed along with residential factors associated with MPs via a participant questionnaire. Samples were categorised according to each country's gross national income (GNI). Synthetic polymers dominated in low income (LI) (39%) and high income (HI) (46%) while natural fibres were the most prevalent in medium income (MI) (43%) countries. Composition and statistical analysis showed that the main sources of MPs and dust were predominantly from indoor sources. Across all GNI countries, greater vacuuming frequency was associated with lower MPs loading. High income country samples returned higher proportions of polyamides and polyester fibres, whereas in LI countries polyurethane was the most prominent MPs fibre. Exposure modelling showed infants (0-2 years) were exposed to the highest MPs dose through inhalation (4.5 × 10-5 ± 3 × 10-5) and ingestion (3.24 × 10-2 ± 3.14 × 10-2) mg/kg-Bw/day. Health risk analysis of constituent monomers of polymers indicates cancer incidence was estimated at 4.1-8.7 per million persons across age groups. This study's analysis showed socio-economic factors and age were dominant variables in determining dose and associated health outcomes of MPs in household dust.
Insights
Indoor microplastics (MPs) are prevalent globally, with composition varying by country income. Infants face the highest exposure, and cancer risk is estimated at 4.1-8.7 per million, influenced by socio-economic factors and age.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) contamination is a growing global concern.
- Understanding indoor MP prevalence and human exposure is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure indoor microplastic prevalence in household dust across 29 countries.
- To analyze MP characteristics, sources, and associated human health risks.
- To investigate the influence of socio-economic factors on MP exposure and health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Collected and analyzed deposited dust from 108 homes in 29 countries.
- Characterized MPs by shape, color, length (microscopy), and composition (μFTIR).
- Assessed human health exposure and risks, and correlated with residential factors via questionnaires, categorizing samples by Gross National Income (GNI).
Main Results:
- Synthetic polymers were dominant in low and high-income countries, while natural fibers were prevalent in medium-income countries.
- Indoor sources were identified as the primary origin of MPs and dust.
- Higher vacuuming frequency correlated with lower MP loads across all GNI categories.
- Polyamides and polyester fibers were more common in high-income countries, whereas polyurethane was prominent in low-income countries.
- Infants exhibited the highest MP exposure doses via inhalation and ingestion.
- Estimated cancer incidence ranged from 4.1-8.7 per million persons.
Conclusions:
- Socio-economic factors and age significantly influence microplastic dose and associated health risks in household dust.
- Indoor microplastic contamination is a global issue with varying compositions and exposure levels influenced by economic status.
- Further research is needed to mitigate indoor microplastic exposure and its long-term health effects.
