Microplastics in Indoor Air: What We Know & What You Can Do
February is a time when we spend more time indoors, making indoor air quality especially important for your health and comfort.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters. Indoors, they are most found as microscopic synthetic fibers shed from materials like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and polypropylene. Research shows these particles occur widely in indoor air and are inhaled during everyday activities.
Learn more ➡️ EPA – Microplastics Research Overview
Where Do Indoor Microplastics Come From?
🧺 Synthetic Textiles
Clothing, fleece blankets, carpets, and rugs shed fiber into the air as people move and sit.
🧹 Household Dust
Dust becomes a reservoir for these fibers, which can resuspend with activity like walking or cleaning.
🏠 Other Plastic Materials
Vinyl flooring, foam insulation, and other plastic-based materials also contribute to airborne microplastic levels.
🧼 Laundry & Dryers
Washing and drying synthetic fabrics releases microfibers, some of which remain airborne indoors.
Learn more ➡️ Environmental Working Group – Laundry & Microplastics
Why This Matters
Scientific studies confirm that airborne microplastics are measurable in indoor environments, and very small particles are inhaled into the respiratory system.
Microplastics are one type of fine particle in indoor air, alongside dust, pollen, and other airborne pollutants, all of which can contribute to indoor air exposure.
Some studies estimate that people may inhale thousands of microplastic particles per day indoors. However, it is important to note that the health effects of inhaling microplastics are not yet fully understood. Research is ongoing to determine how particle size, shape, chemical composition, and exposure duration may influence potential health outcomes.
For a scientific review of current evidence, read a Systematic review of microplastics and nanoplastics in indoor and outdoor air (Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology).
What You Can Do to Reduce Exposure
✅ Use a HEPA vacuum. A true HEPA vacuum with a sealed system captures fine particles effectively.
✅ Upgrade HVAC filtration. Use properly fitted filters (MERV 11 if compatible) and replace them regularly.
✅ Wash synthetic fabrics strategically:
- Wash full loads to reduce friction
- Use cold water when appropriate
- Air-dry when possible
✅ Improve ventilation:
- Run exhaust fans during activities like cooking and cleaning
- Open windows when weather allows
✅ Choose natural materials when possible. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen shed fewer synthetic microfibers than polyester and acrylic.
Trusted Resources
Microplastics in our homes (University of Portsmouth)
Microplastics and gut health (News-Medical)
Household dryers are significant sources of microfiber pollution (Phys.org)
❓ Questions About Improving Your Indoor Air?
If you have questions about using your air purifier or improving your indoor air, don’t hesitate to reach out. 📬 Contact us at cleanairslc@slc.gov.
Missed the previous Indoor Air Quality newsletters? Read them on our blog here!
-The Clean Air SLC Team