Inhalation exposure assessment to microplastics for workers in the laundry and dry cleaning industry

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Abstract Although exposure to microplastics and nanoplasctis (hereafter, microplastics) in general populations has been widely assessed, workers’ exposures to microplastics at workplaces are mainly unknown. Limited laboratory studies estimated that workers are exposed to airborne microplastics several orders of magnitude higher than general populations. Moreover, inhaled microplastics were found in all parts of the lung in humans and found significantly higher levels in the lower lung. Thus, workers handling or manufacturing materials containing microplastics are at increased risk for adverse health effects (e.g., respiratory outcomes) from microplastic exposures at their workplaces. To our knowledge, no studies have directly examined personal exposure to microplastics among workers, especially in the Service Sectors. Textiles made from synthetic (plastic) fibers are significant sources of occupational exposure to microplastics. Although workers in the drying cleaning and laundry industry are exposed to synthetic fibers (containing microplastics) by handling clothing and linens daily, these workers’ exposure to microplastics is largely unknown. Further, review studies summarized that workers in the garment industry handling synthetic fibers (including nylon, polyester, acrylic) had a higher prevalence of respiratory diseases than non-exposed populations. Hence, workers in the drying cleaning and laundry industry experience may experience a large burden of exposure to microplastics at their workplaces. In 2021, the dry cleaning and laundry industry in the United States employed 160,000 -244,000 persons, excluding self-employed persons. This industry is expected to grow nationally from $10.8 billion in 2020 to $14.4 billion by 2025. However, the impact of exposure to emerging microplastics on workers in this business sector is unknown due to the lack of exposure assessment. This proposed R21 study, in response to the National Occupational Research Agenda: the Services Sector and the Cross-sector of Healthy Work Design, will evaluate the effects of key determinants (work hazards, characteristics of workplace and workforce) on inhalation exposure to microplastics in the laundry and dry cleaning industry. We aim to (1) measure inhalation exposure to microplastics from 30 workers in the laundry and dry cleaning industry, and (2) determine the effects of work-related factors (workforce, workplace, and work hazards) on inhalation exposure to microplastics among these workers. The results will inform a future intervention study and training program to develop strategies for reducing workers’ exposure to microplastics in the Service Sector. The proposed research will also improve a scientific knowledge gap by informing workers’ exposure to microplastics that can be deposited in the human lungs, and by examining the association between microplastic exposure and adverse health effects among workers in the Services Sector.