World Zero Emissions Day, a day to raise awareness about the harm caused by carbon emissions, is an important opportunity to reflect on one of the major contributors to this problem; plastic. The acceleration of plastic production and consumption in recent years is startling. More than 380 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, and some reports indicate that up to 50% of that is for single-use purposes. (1). This year alone, researchers have estimated that the production and incineration of plastic will release more than 850 million tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. (2).

And it’s not just the ozone that is being polluted by the by-products of plastic – the air around us has also been shown to be invaded by the tiny particles – or ‘microplastics’ – that is released by plastic products. Research published by the Fernando Pessoa University in Portugal shows that every day we breathe in up to 130 tiny plastic particles. Due to their small size, microplastics – once inhaled – travel into the deep lung where they may induce lesions in the respiratory system. And while microplastics have been found in both indoor and outdoor air, the concentration of microplastic pollution in indoor air is higher than outdoors according to findings presented in 2018 by researchers. (3).



We breathe in 130 bits of plastic particles every day

Microplastics are unfortunately present in many objects in our homes, including toys, plastic bags, cosmetics, toothpaste and more. Most microplastic particles in the indoor air, however, come from plastic fibres from textiles used in home furnishings and synthetic clothing. A key concern is that synthetic materials, such as polyester, acrylic and nylon make up around 60% of global textile production – so if you really look around, you’ll realise how much your daily life is surrounded by plastic. (4).

Not to mention, airborne microplastics may additionally carry other toxic pollutants found in the air. Microplastic particles penetrate the deep lung tissue and cannot be removed, or “digested”, by the human immune systems. Research has shown that the smallest particles can also pass into the bloodstream and may cause cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, induce cancer, and affect the human immune and nervous system. However, even though some of the microplastics measured are composed of potentially carcinogenic or mutagenic compounds, the actual risk to human health is still unclear (5).

Children are particularly at risk

While the implications might not always be as serious as above, links to headaches, fatigue, poor concentration and respiratory issues are often cited; the so-called ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ (SBS) which can damage our immune system, irritate our eyes and affect health in a number of ways. (6). Children are particularly at risk, as their respiratory systems are still developing and they breathe more rapidly than adults, taking in more air in relation to their body weights. Small children also often spend time playing on the floor, where microplastics settle in the form of dust. This makes them more vulnerable to microplastic pollution.

About 90% of our time is spent indoors



Given that most people spend around 90% of their time indoors, particularly here in this region where we retreat indoors in the sticky summer months, taking steps to improve the air quality and reduce emissions in our indoor surroundings is important to protect our health and well-being against what is ultimately a silent threat.