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Airborne microplastics from plastic manufacturing industry: Concentrations and characterisation using Py-GC/MS and
Ruoheng Ding1, Yangxing Xie2, Tian Xiao3
1The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China; Occupational Health & Safety Assistances Inc., Nanjing 210031, Jiangsu, China.
Environment International
|December 5, 2025
Summary
Airborne microplastics (MPs) contamination is high in plastic factories, especially in crushing workshops. Workers in these areas face significant inhalation exposure, highlighting occupational health risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing environmental and health concern.
- Airborne MPs are present in the atmosphere, but occupational exposure in manufacturing settings is understudied.
- Plastic manufacturing poses potential risks due to airborne particulate matter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate airborne microplastic contamination in the plastic manufacturing industry.
- To analyze the characteristics and exposure levels of airborne MPs in different workshops.
- To identify high-exposure groups and estimate their inhalation risks.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) for chemical identification.
- Employed hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for physical characterization.
- Measured airborne MP concentrations in various factory locations and an outdoor area.
Main Results:
- Airborne MPs primarily consisted of raw material components, often as small particles (<10 μm).
- The crushing workshop showed the highest MP concentration (43.57 μg/m³), followed by injection molding and office areas.
- Crushing operators had the highest exposure (61.16 μg/m³ TWA), with estimated annual inhalation of 117.03 mg.
Conclusions:
- Occupational exposure to airborne MPs is significant in plastic manufacturing, linked to processes and materials.
- Crushing operators are a high-risk group for MP inhalation.
- Findings support the need for occupational health standards and risk assessment for airborne MPs.
