Environmental Influences on Microplastics and Particulate Matter Resuspension in Indoor Air: A Study of Office Settings with Air Conditioning

Abstract

This study investigates airborne microplastics (MPs) in office environments, with a particular focus on spaces with air conditioning (AC), due to increasing health concerns. The research aims to analyze the physical characteristics, sources, distribution, and potential health risks of MPs. Despite growing awareness of MP pollution, comprehensive data on their specifics in office settings—such as shape, composition, and size—remains limited. Between November 2023 and January 2024, 42 air samples were collected under controlled conditions, both with and without AC, at the Air Resource Research Laboratory, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Campus. Stereomicroscopy was employed to identify the MPs’ physical properties, revealing a dominance of bead-shaped MPs in air-conditioned spaces, with smaller particles (<50µm), often transparent or black, being the most prevalent. Environmental factors like wind speed and humidity were found to influence MPs' abundance. The study also noted a potential correlation between atmospheric MPs and particulate matter (PM) emissions, suggesting shared sources or accumulation mechanisms. Estimates of daily MPs intake through dust ingestion highlighted associated health risks. This research provides insights into the dynamics of MPs and PM in air-conditioned offices, emphasizing the need for further investigation into their environmental and health impacts. Effective mitigation strategies are crucial for reducing MP and PM exposure, thereby improving indoor air quality and protecting human health.