Investigation of the type of microparticles and the occurrence of microplastics from the settled household dust in Singapore

Abstract

Microplastics in the terrestrial environment are scarcely studied, compared to those in the aquatic environment. It is often present in inhalable and ingestible dust that contains other harmful microparticles. The in-depth investigation of the composition of house dust in Singapore aims to expose the unknown pollutants to aid further research on the resulting health risks. Dry dust samples from a flat were analysed using polarized light microscope, FTIR, TGA, and DSC. The morphology was dominantly fibrous for the organic portion and powdery for the inorganic portion. Up to 71wt% of fibers were alpha cellulose (cotton wool). The remaining components include previously reported polymers such as PET, PP, PE, and nylon, and previously unreported compounds like myrrh, pinewood pyrolyzate, poly(1-butene), poly(vinylidene chloride), PVC, poly(4-methylpentene), and PEEK. The study hopes to raise awareness on indoor dust pollution and inspire further examination of their health effects, as well as the execution of similar experiments involving a broader scale.