Airborne Microplastics In Indoor Environments: A Comprehensive Review Of Sources, Characterization Methods, And Health Implications

Abstract

This review highlights airborne microplastics (AMPs) in indoor environments as an emerging environmental and public health issue. As people spend most of their time indoors, exposure to AMPs - often at higher concentrations - is a growing concern. The paper compiles recent findings on their sources, distribution, detection methods, and health risks. Common indoor sources include synthetic textiles, dust, furniture, coatings, and plastic-based materials, with fibrous particles like polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene being most prevalent. Detection and characterization remain difficult due to the absence of standardized sampling and analytical methods. Inhalation of AMPs poses potential respiratory risks, though long-term health effects are still not well understood. Regulatory focus has largely remained on aquatic microplastics, leaving the indoor air largely unaddressed. This review underscores key research gaps, particularly in exposure assessment and harmonized methodologies, and calls for targeted approaches to reduce AMP exposure indoors. It provides a foundation for advancing future research and informing policy development.