Microplastics and their additives in the indoor environment

Analyses of air and house dust have shown that pollution of the indoor environment with microplastics could pose a fundamental hygienic problem. Indoor microplastics result from abrasion, microplastic beads are frequently added to household products and microplastic granules can be found in artificial turf for sports activities or synthetic admixtures in riding hall litter. Then the question came up to what extent particulate emissions of thermoplastic materials from 3D printing are at least partially to be classified as microplastics or nanoplastics. The discussion about textiles as a possible source of indoor microplastics has also been intensified. The subject of this study is an overview of the current exposure of residents to microplastics. Trends can be identified from the results and preventive measures can be derived if necessary. It is recommended that microplastics and their additives be given greater consideration in indoor environmental surveys in the future.