A Review on Microplastics in Indoor Environments: Techniques for Measurement and Environmental Implications
摘要
Microplastic pollution has become a worldwide environmental concern with increasing attention given to its prevalence in indoor environments. The present review studied the occurrence and sources of microplastics in indoor settings across various regions of the world, emphasizing the potential implications for human well-being and the environment. In earlier studies, various sampling, pre-treatment or extraction and analysis techniques were employed to detect, characterize and quantify microplastics particles in indoor air and dust samples. These studies revealed the widespread distribution of microplastics with numerous polymer types and sizes identified. Additionally, studies have shown that microplastics are frequently found in indoor spaces, originating from multiple sources including personal care products, cosmetics, building materials, synthetic fabrics, carpets, furniture, paint and electronic devices. Furthermore, outdoor air can carry microplastics indoors, especially in urban areas where plastic particles are abundantly present. Microplastics in indoor settings may pose a significant risk to human health; therefore, it is imperative to understand the pathways and sources of microplastics for developing effective mitigation strategies. The review also draws attention to a critical research gap in studies on indoor microplastics in India, a major contributor to pollution and plastic waste. This identifies the urgent need for conducting further studies in this region. To minimize the long-term effects on human health and the environment, scientists, policymakers and the general public should work together to discover sustainable solutions to the implications of indoor microplastics contamination.