Microplastics: an emerging pollution source in facilities of recycling e-waste

In the recent years, scientific community is focused on the study of plastic pollution (micro and nanoparticles) in several environmental matrices raising questions about potential adverse effects of these particles on the human health. Microplastics (MPs), defined as particles with diameters <5 mm, including nanoplastics (NPs), with diameters <1 µm, are characterized by large specific surface area and high hydrophobicity. This makes them possible carriers of toxic pollutants. Several studies show interaction of MPs with co-occurring organic pollutants in outdoor environments through different processes that can to alter the characteristics of toxicity, bioaccumulation, degradation of contaminants. However, few studies concern the analysis of MPs in indoor environments, where their presence is expected. In this regard, e-waste recycling plants can be a significant source of MPs and waste treatment workers can be exposed to high concentrations of these contaminants compared to the lowest ones recorded in outdoor environments. The aim of present study is to estimate the exposure of workers to MPs and organic pollutants detected in settled dust and airborne particulate matter (PM) collected in three e-waste recycling plants. In addition, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk factors were determined considering the three main exposure routes (inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact). Therefore, this study aims to provide a theoretical basis necessary to plan suitable health risk prevention measures in working environments where exposure to MPs may be high.