Levels of ‘harmful’ microplastics are 45 times higher in the air INSIDE UK homes than outside – with furnishings and clothing likely to blame

• Scientists recorded microplastic concentrations in 20 homes over six months
• They found levels were 45 times higher in the air indoors than outdoors
• The particles found were similar in size to the diameter of a human hair
• This small size means it’s likely they will remain in the lungs if inhaled
• Little is known about the health consequences of microplastic, but the results from the study will now be used to inform experiments

A landmark study of the levels of microplastics in the air in people’s homes has revealed our health could be at risk from everyday materials found indoors.

Scientists recorded the concentration of microplastics, found in materials such as clothing and home furnishings, in 20 homes in Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire over six months.

The research – the largest study of its kind to date – is the first to find microplastics in all the sampled homes, and at levels that were significantly higher than those reported in outdoor studies.

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A landmark study of the levels of microplastics in the air in people’s homes has revealed our health could be at risk from everyday materials found indoors

Microplastics in our homes 

Smaller, fibrous particles, from carpets, clothing and soft furnishings, were the most abundant type found inside the air in UK homes.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), associated with food packaging, clothing such as cold weather fleeces, carpets and soft furnishings, was present in 90 per cent of samples and more common during the winter months.

Polyamide nylon and polypropylene, found in clothing, threads, seat belts, air bags, tarpaulins and tents, were also commonly detected.

The study’s authors, from Hull York Medical School and the University of Hull, collected air samples from head height in living rooms where the occupants spent an average of seven hours a day.

Microplastics were identified in all households and in 98 per cent of samples, with an average concentration rate that was up to 45 times higher than outdoor studies.

The particles found were similar in size to the diameter of a human hair, a piece of fine beach sand or a pollen grain and were associated with materials found in carpets, clothing, soft furnishings and food packaging.

The size and material of some of the particles makes them more likely to enter the human body and remain in the lungs if inhaled.

Little is known about the health consequences of microplastics – which have historically not been considered an atmospheric pollutant – entering the body but the results from the study will now be used to inform experiments to discover the wider implications on human health.

Lauren Jenner, co-author of the study and a postgraduate student at Hull York Medical School, said the importance of indoor air quality and health is rising, with people spending up to 90 per cent of their time indoors and as much as 60 per cent in their homes.

Ms Jenner said: ‘It is alarming that, while we think the atmosphere in our own homes is under our own control and not subject to contaminants that we associate with outdoors, we are at risk from everyday materials that we have introduced as part of our décor or clothing.

‘Home furnishings and clothing shed small-sized fibres and these are likely responsible for the high levels of microparticles in the air in our homes.’

Smaller, fibrous particles, from carpets, clothing and soft furnishings, were the most abundant type found, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), associated with food packaging, clothing such as cold weather fleeces, carpets and soft furnishings, also present in 90 per cent of samples and more common during the winter months.

Polyamide nylon and polypropylene, found in clothing, threads, seat belts, air bags, tarpaulins and tents, were also commonly detected.

Ms Jenner said: ‘These microparticles are potentially more harmful than natural particles – such as cotton or wool fabrics – that we may also be breathing in at times.

‘These microplastics are from materials specifically manufactured to be robust, so they don’t degrade in the same way that natural materials would do and are likely to remain in our lungs if inhaled.’

The study, which was also co-authored by Dr Laura Sadofsky and Evangelos Danopoulos, of Hull York Medical School, and Professor Jeanette Rotchell, of the University of Hull’s department of biological and marine sciences, has been published in the journal Atmospheric Environment.

WHAT ARE MICROPLASTICS AND HOW DO THEY GET INTO OUR WATERWAYS?

Microplastics are plastic particles measuring less than five millimetres (0.2 inches).

They have hit the headlines over recent years, as improper disposal has resulted in tonnes of waste making its way into the ocean.

Each year, tonnes of plastic waste fails to get recycled and dealt with correctly, which can mean they end up in marine ecosystems. 

Although it’s unclear exactly how they end up in the water, microplastics may enter through simple everyday wear and tear of clothing and carpets.

Tumble dryers may also be a source, particularly if they have a vent to the open air. 

Plastics don’t break down for thousands of years and it is estimated that there are already millions of items of plastic waste in the oceans. This number is expected to rise. 

Studies have also revealed 700,000 plastic fibres could be released into the atmosphere with every washing machine cycle.

Current water systems are unable to effectively filter out all microplastic contamination, due to the varying size of particles.  

The amount of plastic rubbish in the world’s oceans will outweigh fish by 2050 unless the world takes drastic action to further recycle, a report released in 2016 revealed.

More than 80 per cent of the world’s tap water is contaminated with plastic, research published in September 2017 revealed.

The US has the highest contamination rate at 93 per cent, followed by Lebanon and India, experts from the University of Minnesota found.

France, Germany and the UK have the lowest levels, however, they still come in at 72 per cent.

Overall, 83 per cent of water samples from dozens of nations around the world contain microplastics.

Scientists warn microplastics are so small they could penetrate organs. 

Bottled water may not be a safer alternative, as scientists have found contaminated samples.

Creatures of all shapes and sizes have been found to have consumed the plastics, whether directly or indirectly.

Previous research has also revealed microplastics absorb toxic chemicals, which are then released in the gut of animals.

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