The problem of pollution is a reality and is increasingly present in our homes. Thousands of microplastics so small they can penetrate deep into the lungs are present in the air you breathe in your home and car, according to a new study. A team of researchers from the University of Toulouse, led by scientist Nadiia Yakovenko, has shown that the air we breathe inside our homes and cars contains thousands of invisible microplastics. The study has been published in PLOS ONE.
The particles are likely the result of the degradation of plastic-filled objects, such as carpets, curtains, furniture…
According to the study, the number of particles is up to 68,000 per day, according to their calculations. The particles are likely the result of the degradation of plastic-filled objects, such as carpets, curtains, furniture, and textiles, as well as plastic parts in car interiors. What’s most disturbing is their size and the ease with which they can penetrate deep into our lungs.
People spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, including in homes, workplaces…
The team measured concentrations of plastic particles between 1 and 10 micrometers, an extremely small size that allows them to bypass our natural defenses and settle comfortably in the lungs. “People spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, including in homes, workplaces, shops, and transportation—all the time they are exposed to microplastic pollution through inhalation without even thinking about it,” said the study’s lead authors, Jeroen Sonke and Nadiia Yakovenko, in a statement.
“Microplastics in the air, especially indoors, may be an invisible threat that we are only just beginning to understand”
They’ve found even more data. Car interiors even exceed those of homes, with average concentrations of 2,238 particles per cubic meter, compared to the 528 detected in homes. “Microplastics in the air, especially indoors, may be an invisible threat that we are only just beginning to understand,” experts say. In some cases, during normal human activities such as walking, ventilating, or simply moving around, peaks of more than 34,000 particles per cubic meter were reached.
While the study does not establish a direct link between exposure and specific diseases, the scientific literature has already begun to point to potential adverse effects
Using Raman spectroscopy, researchers were able to accurately identify and quantify the tiniest microplastics, including fragments of polyethylene, polyamide, and other industrial polymers found in textiles, furniture, carpets, automotive components, and packaging. “While research is ongoing, there is concern that prolonged exposure to microplastics and their additives may contribute to respiratory problems,” the experts explain. While the study does not establish a direct link between exposure and specific diseases, the scientific literature has already begun to point to potential adverse effects. Scientists also raise other concerns, including “disrupting endocrine function and increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, reproductive birth defects, infertility, cardiovascular disease, and cancer,” they noted.
Solutions: using vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, cleaning with damp cloths instead of brooms, and cross-ventilating regularly
Among the solutions we can find is changing some household items to alleviate this problem as much as possible. For example, replacing synthetic textiles with natural fibers, avoiding soft plastics in furniture and toys, using vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, cleaning with damp cloths instead of brooms, and cross-ventilating regularly are some of the most effective recommendations. In the morning, especially ventilating bedrooms is essential. As for cars, another space where people tend to spend a lot of time, reducing the interior temperature (to prevent plastic degradation) and using high-quality air filters can help.
