About One-Seventh the Thickness of a Human Hair
Potential Health Risks Including Chronic Lung Inflammation
A study has found that adults inhale approximately 68,000 ultrafine plastic particles indoors each day. This means that while staying indoors-such as at home or in a car-people breathe in extremely small microplastics suspended in the air.
According to the Guardian and other British media outlets on August 28 (local time), a research team from the University of Toulouse in France analyzed the concentration of microplastics sized 1-10 micrometers (μm, one-millionth of a meter) floating in residential spaces and inside cars using Raman spectroscopy. Previous research methods could only detect particles larger than 10-20 μm, but the Raman spectroscopy technique enabled the detection of even ultrafine particles. Raman spectroscopy is a method that reveals the properties of substances by analyzing the scattering of light that occurs when a laser is directed at them.
The research team collected air samples from apartments and car interiors in France to measure microplastic concentrations. The analysis showed that the median concentration of total microplastics (MPs) suspended in the air of residential spaces was 528 MPs per cubic meter (MPs/m³). Of the microplastics detected in household air, 76% were polyethylene, making up the majority. Microplastics in residential environments mainly originate from clothing, kitchenware, carpets, and similar items.
The concentration of microplastics inside cars was found to be more than four times higher than in homes, reaching 2,238 MPs/m³. This is because car interiors are confined spaces with poor ventilation, and interior components such as steering wheels, door handles, and dashboards are made of plastic. Of the microplastics observed, 97% were in the form of fragmented pieces, and 94% measured 1-10 μm or smaller. Based on these findings, the research team estimated that adults inhale about 68,000 microplastics sized 1-10 μm indoors each day.
About One-Seventh the Thickness of a Human Hair
Particles measuring 1-10 μm are about one-seventh the thickness of a human hair, making them extremely small and able to penetrate more easily into various parts of the body, such as the lungs, blood vessels, and placenta. The research team warned, "The impact of inhaling microplastics on health may be greater than we think."
To reduce microplastic inhalation, the researchers advised minimizing the use of plastic products and instead choosing items made from wood, metal, or natural fibers. They also recommended using air purifiers and vacuum cleaners equipped with high-performance HEPA filters, as well as frequent ventilation and cleaning.
Potential Adverse Health Effects, Including Chronic Lung Inflammation
Until now, it was believed that microplastics mainly entered the body through food and water. The Guardian explained, "This new study highlights the dangers of air pollution," adding, "Microplastics are also associated with chronic lung inflammation, which can lead to lung cancer."
This research paper was published last month in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.
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