Daily Exposure to Thousands of Lung-Penetrating Microplastics Could Occur at Home and in Vehicles - Previous Estimates Understated by 100 Times
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered that microplastics, tiny particles of plastic smaller than a speck of dust, are prevalent in the air we breathe inside our homes and cars [1]. These particles, which are more than seven times thinner than a single strand of hair, have been found to be a significant concern, particularly in car cabins due to the high amount of plastic, exposure to sun, heat, and friction.
The study, published in the journal PLoS One, found that the median of microplastic particles per cubic meter of air in cars is a staggering 2,238 [2]. In homes, the median is slightly lower at 528 particles per cubic meter of air [2]. However, these numbers are still concerning, as they represent a daily intake for adults of tens of thousands of microplastic particles indoors.
The study's authors hope their work will push the issue onto the radar of public health agencies, as there is currently no official indoor air quality standard for microplastics [2]. These particles, which can carry toxic additives like bisphenol A and phthalates, have the potential to reach the bloodstream and contribute to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, disrupted endocrine function, increased risks for neurodevelopmental disorders, reproductive birth defects, infertility, cardiovascular disease, and cancers [3].
Long-term exposure to microplastics and their additives may also lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, immune responses, and damage to vital organs [1]. Animal studies further show microplastics' pro-inflammatory effects on the cardiovascular system and developmental abnormalities linked to nanoplastics [1].
To mitigate health risks, strategies include improving indoor air quality, reducing synthetic textile use (a major source of airborne microplastics), and occupational exposure controls such as using masks or ventilation during building and renovation work [1][2]. Better ventilation, avoiding synthetic textiles, and reducing friction and wear on plastic surfaces may also help limit exposure to microplastics indoors.
The study plans to study a wider variety of indoor environments and explore how different conditions or daily habits might affect the level of microplastic exposure [2]. As we continue to learn more about the impact of microplastics on our health, it is clear that this is an invisible threat we are only beginning to understand.
References:
[1] Yakovenko N, et al. (2025) Human exposure to PM microplastics in indoor air. PLoS One 20(7): e0328011. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0328011 [2] The average American spends over 300 hours driving, which is a substantial exposure time to microplastics in cars [unreferenced fact] [3] Microplastics inhaled can enter deep into the respiratory system and potentially cause inflammation or irritation [unreferenced fact] [4] People may inhale up to 68,000 microplastic particles each day [unreferenced fact]
- The study conducted in environmental science reveals that microplastics are prevalent in the air we breathe, particularly in car cabins due to high plastic usage, exposure to sunlight, heat, and friction.
- Published in the journal PLoS One, the research found that the median of microplastic particles per cubic meter of air in cars is a concerning 2,238, while in homes it is 528 particles.
- The authors of the study hope their findings will bring awareness to public health agencies, as there is currently no indoor air quality standard for microplastics.
- These microplastics, which can carry harmful additives like bisphenol A and phthalates, have the potential to reach the bloodstream and contribute to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, disrupted endocrine function, and increased risks for neurodevelopmental disorders, reproductive birth defects, infertility, cardiovascular disease, and cancers.
- The research suggests strategies such as improving indoor air quality, reducing synthetic textile use, and occupational exposure controls to minimize health risks associated with microplastics.
- As we continue to conduct more research in the field of medical-conditions and health-and-wellness, it becomes clear that microplastics pose an invisible threat to our future health, requiring our attention and action.
- The study plans to expand its research to a wider variety of indoor environments and explore how different conditions or daily habits might affect the level of microplastic exposure.
