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- University of Birmingham Study: Indoor Microplastics from Settled Dust and Synthetic Fibers
University of Birmingham Study: Indoor Microplastics from Settled Dust and Synthetic Fibers
Sam Garcia
October 30, 2025
A University of Birmingham study has shed light on the pervasive presence of microplastics in indoor environments, emphasizing that settled dust, synthetic fibers, clothing, carpets, and textiles are significant contributors. The research highlights the concern given that humans spend an estimated 90% of their lives indoors, leading to considerable exposure to these airborne and dust-borne particles.
Key findings from the University of Birmingham's research on indoor microplastics include:
Sources of Microplastics The majority of indoor microplastics found in settled dust and air originate from synthetic fibers and fragments. These are primarily shed from everyday items such as clothing, furniture, and carpets. Carpeting, in particular, was identified as a major source, contributing to higher microplastic concentrations in homes compared to workplaces where carpeting was less prevalent.
Types of Polymers The most abundant polymer types identified in the studied samples were Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), followed by Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). This composition reflects the common materials used in indoor textiles, carpets, and household items.
Forms of Microplastics Fibers and fragments were the predominant shapes, constituting approximately 90% of the microplastics identified in both settled dust and indoor air samples.
Human Exposure The studies assessed human exposure through both inadvertent ingestion of indoor dust and the inhalation of indoor air. Toddlers were estimated to have a significantly higher daily exposure to microplastics through dust ingestion (approximately 103 microplastics/day or 9.7 MP/kg Bw/day) compared to adults (56 microplastics/day or 0.8 MP/kg Bw/day). This elevated exposure in young children is attributed to their lower body weight and behaviors such as crawling and frequent hand-to-mouth contact, raising concerns about potential adverse health effects due to their developing immune and nervous systems.