Airborne microplastics and plastic additives in a school environment: identification, quantification, and associated inhalation risks.

Indoor and outdoor air pollution is related to adverse human health effects, especially in children due to their ongoing physical development. This study assesses airborne microplastics (MP) concentrations and associated inhalation risks in a school in Estarreja, Portugal, near a large industrial complex producing polyvinylchloride (PVC). PM samples were collected over two campaigns (winter and spring) in four classrooms (ages 3-11 years) and adjacent outdoor areas.

Pyr-GC-Orbitrap-MS method for the target/untargeted analysis of microplastics in air.

Pyrolysis-gas chromatography coupled to Orbitrap-mass spectrometry is a novel technique that allows the low level and precise determination of microplastics in environmental samples. In this paper, we develop and assess the target and untargeted performance of Pyr-GC-Orbitrap-MS. The method was optimized for 10 plastic polymers: polymethyl methacrylate, nylon-6,6, polypropylene, nitrile butadiene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, and polystyrene.

Migration of Microplastics and Phthalates from Face Masks to Water.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, face masks have been introduced in the complex strategy of infection prevention and control. Face masks consist of plastic polymers and additives such as phthalates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the migration of microplastics (MP) and phthalates from face masks to water.