Everyday intake of microplastics through breathing Indoors: Shocking research shows significant levels in indoor air
In a groundbreaking study published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, researchers have uncovered a startling revelation about the prevalence of microplastics in our daily lives. The study, conducted by Nadiia Yakovenko and Jeroen Sonke, suggests that people may inhale more than 71,000 microscopic plastic fragments every day, both at home and in their cars.
The researchers collected samples from homes and cars and analyzed them using Raman spectroscopy. They found a median of 528 microplastics for every cubic metre of indoor space in the average home and 2,238 microplastics per cubic metre in cars. These tiny particles, smaller than a speck of dust and seven times thinner than a human hair, can penetrate deep into the lungs.
The health effects associated with inhaled microplastics are concerning. They include oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and lung tissue damage. Moreover, these particles may carry toxic additives and adsorbed environmental pollutants, such as bisphenol A and phthalates, which can leach into the body and potentially disrupt endocrine functions or increase risks for cancers, reproductive defects, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
The study reveals that much of the harm from microplastics comes from these toxic additives. Car cabins, mostly made of synthetic materials like plastic, are a significant source of these particles. Limited ventilation in car cabins allows microplastic particles to accumulate and concentrate in the air, potentially increasing the risk of health issues.
People spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, including homes, workplaces, shops, transportation, etc., and are exposed to microplastic pollution through inhalation without even thinking about it. The authors hope that their findings will raise awareness about indoor air as a significant source of microplastic exposure through inhalation.
The authors also hope that their findings could help guide public health recommendations, indoor air quality standards, or affect the products and materials used in the future. It is crucial to note that plastics in cars are often more toxic due to greater levels of flame retardants. Therefore, efforts to reduce microplastic pollution should also consider the materials used in cars.
In conclusion, the study provides a stark reminder of the ubiquity of microplastics in our environment and the potential health risks associated with their inhalation. While further research is needed to establish the long-term health consequences, the current evidence suggests that chronic inhalation of microplastics in indoor air poses a significant and underestimated respiratory and systemic health risk. It is essential to take steps to mitigate this risk, starting with improving indoor air quality and reducing microplastic pollution.
- The government should consider the findings of the study on microplastics as a call to action, implementing regulations to reduce microplastic pollution from various sources, including cars.
- The media plays a crucial role in disseminating information about the health risks associated with microplastics, raising awareness among the public and prompting them to take protective measures.
- Toronto residents, like people in many other cities around the world, are potentially exposed to a significant amount of microplastics in their daily lives, particularly indoors.
- Environmental-science researchers in Canada are advocating for the incorporation of microplastic analysis into health-and-wellness studies to gain a better understanding of the long-term health effects of chronic microplastic inhalation.
- The study highlights the need for more research in the field of environmental-science, particularly regarding the effects of microplastics on various ecosystems, as well as their impact on human health.
