The average person inhales up to 68,000 microplastic particles daily, with higher concentrations in car cabins than homes. Digest
Airborne microplastics are pervasive indoor contaminants that may pose considerable risks to respiratory health. Although previous studies have primarily focused on large microplastic particles, smaller particles capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory system are now under scrutiny. A recent study found that adults may inhale up to 68,000 microplastic particles per day in the 1 to 10 micrometer range—100 times more than prior estimates based on larger particle sizes.
Researchers used spectroscopy to identify and quantify airborne suspended microplastics in homes and car cabin environments. This method allowed them to detect microplastic particles within the 1 to 10 micrometer size range, small enough to reach the lower lungs.
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They found that indoor microplastic concentrations were substantially higher in car cabins, with a median of 2,238 particles per cubic meter, compared to 528 particles per cubic meter in homes. Across both environments, 94% of particles measured fell within the 1 to 10 micrometer range. Most particles were irregular fragments, with polyethylene dominating in residential spaces and polyamide in car interiors. The data showed that smaller microplastic particles were far more common, and their numbers increased sharply as size decreased.
These findings suggest that inhalation exposure to indoor microplastics—particularly within the 1 to 10 micrometer range—has been grossly underestimated. Learn ways to limit your microplastic exposure in this clip featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.