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Airborne Microplastics: A Review on the Occurrence, Migration and Risks to Humans

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Abstract

As emerging environmental contaminants, microplastics may cause potential hazard to global ecosphere (including water, soil and air) and human health. To date, the occurance and ecological effects of microplastics in water and soil were systematically summarized. However, there are few reviews of microplastics in air (i.e. airborne microplastics). Recently, microplastics have been observed in atmospheric fallout collected from some areas. Although the studies are limited, most of the researches showed that synthetic textiles are the main source of airborne microplastics, and fibers are the dominant shape. Airborne microplastics are contributors to microplastic pollution in aquatic and soil environments. In addition, airborne microplastics can be directly inhaled and posed health risks to humans. Therefore, this review summarized the current knowledge and provide insights into further research to better understand airborne microplastics and their risks to human.

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Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by National Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 22006066) and the Talent-Recruiting Program of Nanjing Institute of Technology (Grant No. YKJ2019100).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Environmental Engineering, Nanjing Institute of Technology, Nanjing, 211167, China

    Yi Wang

  2. Jiangsu Academy of Environmental Science Environmental Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210036, China

    Jian Huang

  3. School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China

    Fengxiao Zhu

  4. Nanjing Kaver Scientific Instruments, Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210042, Jiangsu, China

    Shaoda Zhou

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  1. Yi Wang
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  2. Jian Huang
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  3. Fengxiao Zhu
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  4. Shaoda Zhou
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Correspondence to Jian Huang.

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Wang, Y., Huang, J., Zhu, F. et al. Airborne Microplastics: A Review on the Occurrence, Migration and Risks to Humans. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 107, 657–664 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-021-03180-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-021-03180-0

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