You may be inhaling 68,000 microplastics a day inside your home

A recent study by French scientists reveals that people may be inhaling up to 68,000 microplastic particles daily inside their homes and cars, far exceeding previous estimates. Using advanced Raman spectroscopy, researchers detected plastic particles predominantly smaller than 10 micrometers—tiny enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream. These microplastics originate from the degradation of common household items such as carpets, curtains, paint, textiles, and especially car interiors, which contain numerous plastic-based materials that shed particles due to heat, friction, and sunlight exposure. The study highlights a significant but overlooked source of microplastic pollution: indoor air, where people spend about 90% of their time. Unlike prior research focused on oceans or outdoor environments, this work emphasizes the intimate exposure risks within everyday living spaces. The health implications are concerning, as inhaled microplastics may cause respiratory inflammation and carry toxic additives like bisphenol A and phthalates, which are linked to various health problems including endocrine