Size-Resolved Identification and Quantification of Micro/Nanoplastics in Indoor Air Using Pyrolysis Gas...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Human exposure to micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) via inhalation is a growing concern.
• Limited analytical methods exist for quantifying smaller MNPs (<1 μm) in airborne particulate matter.
• Indoor environments are significant sites of human exposure to airborne particles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel analytical method for identifying and quantifying micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) in indoor air.
• To measure MNP concentrations in different indoor environments.
• To identify specific MNP types and associated plastic additives present in indoor air.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a novel pyrolysis gas chromatographic cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometer (pyr-GCxcIMS) for MNP analysis.
• Collected size-resolved airborne particulate matter (56 nm to 18 μm) using a cascade impactor.
• Targeted four common plastic types (PS, PE, PP, PMMA) and performed non-targeted screening for additives.

Main Results:

• Quantified MNPs in laboratory (47 ± 5 μg/m³ for <10 μm, 27 ± 4 μg/m³ for <2.5 μm) and residential settings (24 ± 3 μg/m³ for <10 μm, 16 ± 2 μg/m³ for <2.5 μm).
• Polystyrene (PS) was identified as the most abundant MNP type in both environments.
• Detected plastic additives, such as TDCPP, correlating with polyurethane (PU), likely from furniture and insulation.

Conclusions:

• Provides the first evidence of quantifiable MNP presence in indoor air using an advanced analytical technique.
• Establishes indoor inhalation as a significant exposure pathway for MNPs and associated chemical additives.
• Underscores the need for further research into MNP inhalation exposure and health implications.