According to research, carpets are a major source of microplastics and young children are especially at risk from breathing these particles.
The academics warn that their findings had important implications for young children due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Children are at greater risk because they breathe faster.
According to a study by the University of Birmingham, microplastic levels are almost 60 per cent higher in carpeted homes than in uncarpeted workplaces.
Some have been shown to penetrate human lung tissue.
Young children are at particular risk from breathing microplastics from carpets, research finds (file photo)
Researchers warn that young children are at high risk due to their underdeveloped immune systems (file photo)
Small plastic balls on a finger. Microplastic levels are almost 60 percent higher in carpeted homes than in uncarpeted workplaces, study finds (file photo)
Microplastics can be released from modern carpets through friction, wear, age and cleaning methods, according to the study, published in Environmental Pollution.
“Young children were exposed to more microplastics through inhalation of indoor air than adults,” the researchers said.
They also warned that people with respiratory problems may also be at greater risk from inhaling microplastics.
