Nasal lavage technique reveals regular inhalation exposure of microplastics, not associated from face mask use

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of face masks has been a worldwide primary protection measure to contain the spread of the virus. However, very little information is known about the possible inhalation of microplastics (MP) from wearing masks. This pilot study evaluates the presence of MP accumulated in nasal cavities through the nasal lavages technique. Six different commercial face masks were tested in 18 participants during five working days (8 h use/day). Eight different polymers (polystyrene, polyamide, poly(ethylene - propylene) diene monomer, polyester, polyethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride) predominantly within the 20-300 & mu;m size were detected in nasal lavages, with an average concen-tration of 28.3 & PLUSMN; 15.6 MP/5 mL nasal solution. Results demonstrate that MP in the nasal cavity are not associated to face mask use but rather to general exposure to airborne MP. We highlight the use of nasal lavages to evaluate human inhalation of MP and associate it to potential sources and risks.

Automated summary

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pilot study evaluated the presence of microplastics (MP) accumulated in nasal cavities from wearing face masks. Different polymers, mainly within the 20-300 μm size, were detected in nasal lavages, indicating general exposure to airborne MP rather than association with face mask use. This study highlights the use of nasal lavages to assess human inhalation of MP and its potential sources and risks.