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Underestimated activity-based microplastic intake under scenario-specific exposures.

Kai Liu1,2,3, Qingqing Li1,3, Anthony L Andrady4

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200062, China.

Environmental Science and Ecotechnology
|October 20, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Human exposure to microplastics (MPs) is underestimated. Inhalation and dust ingestion, especially indoors, significantly contribute to daily MP intake, highlighting risks beyond diet.

Keywords:
Activity factorsExposure estimateInhalation and ingestionMicroplasticsSimulation

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Toxicology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Microplastic (MP) detection in human tissues and feces raises health concerns.
  • Accurate quantitative exposure assessments for MPs are limited, hindering risk evaluation.
  • Understanding MP exposome at environmentally realistic levels is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify daily human microplastic intake via inhalation and dust/soil ingestion.
  • To identify key sources and influencing factors of microplastic exposure.
  • To compare non-dietary MP intake with dietary sources.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized real-world microplastic measurements and human activity patterns.
  • Calculated daily MP intake through inhalation and ingestion of ground dust/soil.
  • Analyzed exposure variations based on residential sectors, activity intensity, and behavior.

Main Results:

  • Nearly 80% of microplastic intake originates from residential environments.
  • Inhalation and dust/soil ingestion represent a significant, previously underestimated exposure route.
  • Microplastic exposure peaked in adults aged 18-64.
  • COVID-19 lockdown correlated with increased microplastic intake due to higher dust ingestion.

Conclusions:

  • Current microplastic risk assessments may underestimate exposure by neglecting inhalation and dust ingestion.
  • Human activity patterns are critical determinants of microplastic body burden.
  • Further research is needed to refine microplastic exposure evaluations and understand associated health risks.