Comparative Analysis of Airborne Particle Concentrations in Textile Industry Environments Throughout the Workday

This paper addresses the growing concern surrounding microplastic pollution, particularly within the textile industry, and the associated potential health risks linked to the inhalation and ingestion of microplastic particles. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimeters...

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Main Authors: Emilia Visileanu, Korinna Altmann, Raluca Stepa, Maria Haiducu, Paul Tiberiu Miclea, Alina Vladu, Felicia Dondea, Marian Catalin Grosu, Razvan Scarlat
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Microplastics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8929/4/2/34
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author Emilia Visileanu
Korinna Altmann
Raluca Stepa
Maria Haiducu
Paul Tiberiu Miclea
Alina Vladu
Felicia Dondea
Marian Catalin Grosu
Razvan Scarlat
author_facet Emilia Visileanu
Korinna Altmann
Raluca Stepa
Maria Haiducu
Paul Tiberiu Miclea
Alina Vladu
Felicia Dondea
Marian Catalin Grosu
Razvan Scarlat
author_sort Emilia Visileanu
collection DOAJ
description This paper addresses the growing concern surrounding microplastic pollution, particularly within the textile industry, and the associated potential health risks linked to the inhalation and ingestion of microplastic particles. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimeters, are increasingly found not only in aquatic environments, but also in soils, air, and food. Although research on the health impacts of microplastics is still emerging, early studies indicate that these particles could contribute to health issues, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. Notably, individuals with higher concentrations of plastics in arterial plaques are more susceptible to heart attacks and strokes. In the textile industry, synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic release microplastics into the air during production. The paper discusses a study conducted in a textile company that processes polyester yarns, where airborne microplastic concentrations were measured at various locations throughout the day. Particle sizes ranging from 0.3 nm to 10 nm were analyzed, revealing the presence of polyester polymers in the particulate matter. These findings underscore the widespread nature of microplastic pollution, particularly in industrial settings, and raise concerns about the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to airborne microplastics. While further research is necessary to fully understand the extent of these health impacts, preliminary data suggest a troubling link between microplastic inhalation and cardiovascular conditions.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2673-8929
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publishDate 2025-06-01
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series Microplastics
spelling doaj-art-e9fc36e5425e4e5daf0ef099bc940ddb2025-08-20T03:27:21ZengMDPI AGMicroplastics2673-89292025-06-01423410.3390/microplastics4020034Comparative Analysis of Airborne Particle Concentrations in Textile Industry Environments Throughout the WorkdayEmilia Visileanu0Korinna Altmann1Raluca Stepa2Maria Haiducu3Paul Tiberiu Miclea4Alina Vladu5Felicia Dondea6Marian Catalin Grosu7Razvan Scarlat8The National Research and Development Institute for Textile and Leather, 16, Lucretiu Patrascanu Street, Sector 3, 030508 Bucharest, RomaniaBundesanstalt für Materialfoschung und Prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany“Alexandru Darabont” The National Research-Development Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 35A, Ghencea Bd., Sector 6, 061692 Bucharest, Romania“Alexandru Darabont” The National Research-Development Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 35A, Ghencea Bd., Sector 6, 061692 Bucharest, RomaniaFraunhofer Centre for Silicon Photovoltaics, 06120 Haale (Saale), GermanyThe National Research and Development Institute for Textile and Leather, 16, Lucretiu Patrascanu Street, Sector 3, 030508 Bucharest, RomaniaThe National Research and Development Institute for Textile and Leather, 16, Lucretiu Patrascanu Street, Sector 3, 030508 Bucharest, RomaniaThe National Research and Development Institute for Textile and Leather, 16, Lucretiu Patrascanu Street, Sector 3, 030508 Bucharest, RomaniaThe National Research and Development Institute for Textile and Leather, 16, Lucretiu Patrascanu Street, Sector 3, 030508 Bucharest, RomaniaThis paper addresses the growing concern surrounding microplastic pollution, particularly within the textile industry, and the associated potential health risks linked to the inhalation and ingestion of microplastic particles. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimeters, are increasingly found not only in aquatic environments, but also in soils, air, and food. Although research on the health impacts of microplastics is still emerging, early studies indicate that these particles could contribute to health issues, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. Notably, individuals with higher concentrations of plastics in arterial plaques are more susceptible to heart attacks and strokes. In the textile industry, synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic release microplastics into the air during production. The paper discusses a study conducted in a textile company that processes polyester yarns, where airborne microplastic concentrations were measured at various locations throughout the day. Particle sizes ranging from 0.3 nm to 10 nm were analyzed, revealing the presence of polyester polymers in the particulate matter. These findings underscore the widespread nature of microplastic pollution, particularly in industrial settings, and raise concerns about the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to airborne microplastics. While further research is necessary to fully understand the extent of these health impacts, preliminary data suggest a troubling link between microplastic inhalation and cardiovascular conditions.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8929/4/2/34airborne particletextileconcentrationoutdoorindooroffice
spellingShingle Emilia Visileanu
Korinna Altmann
Raluca Stepa
Maria Haiducu
Paul Tiberiu Miclea
Alina Vladu
Felicia Dondea
Marian Catalin Grosu
Razvan Scarlat
Comparative Analysis of Airborne Particle Concentrations in Textile Industry Environments Throughout the Workday
Microplastics
airborne particle
textile
concentration
outdoor
indoor
office
title Comparative Analysis of Airborne Particle Concentrations in Textile Industry Environments Throughout the Workday
title_full Comparative Analysis of Airborne Particle Concentrations in Textile Industry Environments Throughout the Workday
title_fullStr Comparative Analysis of Airborne Particle Concentrations in Textile Industry Environments Throughout the Workday
title_full_unstemmed Comparative Analysis of Airborne Particle Concentrations in Textile Industry Environments Throughout the Workday
title_short Comparative Analysis of Airborne Particle Concentrations in Textile Industry Environments Throughout the Workday
title_sort comparative analysis of airborne particle concentrations in textile industry environments throughout the workday
topic airborne particle
textile
concentration
outdoor
indoor
office
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8929/4/2/34
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