Every Breath You Take
8 days ago
- #indoor-air-quality
- #microplastics
- #health-risks
- Researchers measured microplastics in indoor air using Raman spectroscopy, finding particles small enough to bypass natural respiratory defenses.
- Ordinary apartments had a median of 528 airborne microplastic particles per cubic meter, while car cabins had 2,238 particles per cubic meter due to synthetic materials.
- Adults inhale an estimated 68,000 PM₁₀ microplastics daily, while children inhale 47,000, far exceeding previous estimates based on larger particles.
- Most airborne microplastics (97%) are fragments, with 94% smaller than 10 µm, making them difficult for the body to expel.
- Common polymers found include polyethylene in homes and polyamide/ABS in cars, originating from everyday materials like upholstery and carpets.
- Microplastics can carry heavy metals and endocrine disruptors, posing risks like hormone interference and immune dysregulation.
- The study highlights the need for better indoor air standards and materials testing to address this invisible health threat.