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Every breath you take: High concentration of breathable microplastics in indoor environments
L Maurizi1, L Simon-Sánchez1, A Vianello1
1Department of The Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark.
Abstract:
The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in the air and their potential impact on human health underscore the pressing need to develop robust methods for quantifying their presence, particularly in the breathable fraction (<5 μm). In this study, Raman micro-spectroscopy (μRaman) was employed to assess the concentration of indoor airborne MPs >1 μm in four indoor environments (a meeting room, a workshop, and two apartments) under different levels of human activity. The indoor airborne MP concentration spanned between 58 and 684 MPs per cubic meter (MP m-3) (median 212 MP m-3, MPs/non-plastic ratio 0-1.6%), depending not only on the type and level of human activity, but also on the surface area and air circulation of the investigated locations. Additionally, we assessed in the same environments the filtration performance of a type IIR surgical facemask, which could overall retain 85.4 ± 3.9% of the MPs. We furthermore estimated a human MP intake from indoor air of 3415 ± 2881 MPs day-1 (mostly poly-amide MPs), which could be decreased to 283 ± 317 MPs day-1 using the surgical facemask. However, for the breathable fraction of MPs (1-5 μm), the efficiency of the surgical mask was reduced to 57.6%.
Insights
Indoor airborne microplastics (MPs) were quantified using Raman micro-spectroscopy. Surgical facemasks significantly reduce MP intake, but are less effective for the smallest breathable particles.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants.
- Airborne MPs pose potential risks to human health, necessitating quantification methods.
- The breathable fraction (<5 μm) is of particular concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify indoor airborne MPs (>1 μm) under varying human activity levels.
- To evaluate the filtration efficiency of surgical facemasks against airborne MPs.
- To estimate human MP intake from indoor air and the protective effect of facemasks.
Main Methods:
- Raman micro-spectroscopy (μRaman) for MP identification and quantification.
- Airborne MP sampling in diverse indoor environments (meeting room, workshop, apartments).
- Filtration efficiency testing of IIR surgical facemasks.
Main Results:
- Indoor airborne MP concentrations ranged from 58 to 684 MP m⁻³.
- Surgical facemasks retained 85.4 ± 3.9% of total MPs.
- Estimated daily MP intake reduced from 3415 to 283 MPs with facemask use.
- Mask efficiency decreased to 57.6% for the 1-5 μm breathable fraction.
Conclusions:
- Human activity, location characteristics influence indoor airborne MP levels.
- Surgical facemasks offer significant protection against airborne MPs.
- Facemask efficacy is reduced for smaller, breathable microplastic particles.
