Unveiling the invisible: first discovery of micro- and nanoplastic size segregation in indoor commercial markets using a cascade impactor

Micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) may enter the human body through food, drink, and air. Scientists have mainly focused on the first two routes, but little is known about the third. A cascade impactor having a size range of (> 2.5, 1.0-2.5, 0.50-1.0, 0.25-0.50, and < 0.25 mu m) was used to study the size segregation of MNPs in different indoor commercial markets. The morphological characterization showed the presence of fibers, fragments, films, lines, foam, and pellets with different colors. Three hundred-seven particles were scanned for chemical description under Micro-Raman analysis, and 247 were identified and categorized into 52 MNPs . The standard MNPs found in the samples were PTFE, PE, PP, HDPE, PA, LDPE, and PAM. The SEM-EDX analysis showed that C, O, and F had the highest weight% among all elements seen, while C, O, F, Mg, and Al were the common elements. These MNPs are small enough to get inhaled easily. MNPs in these indoor environments showed vast sources that emit these polymeric particles and have harmful human health impacts, particularly on the employees working there. So, there is a need to take the necessary measures to minimize the release of these MNPs in these indoor environments and their impacts on human health.