Toddlers at major risk of inhaling microplastics from carpets at home, research suggests

Carpets are a major source of microplastics and toddlers are at particular risk from breathing these particles in, according to research.

Academics warn their findings had major implications for young children because of their under-developed immune systems. Boys are more at risk because they breathe faster.

Levels of microplastics are nearly 60 per cent higher in carpeted homes compared with uncarpeted workplaces, according to the Birmingham University study.

Some have been shown to penetrate human lung tissue.

Researchers warn that young children are at high risk due to their underdeveloped immune systems (file photo)

Small plastic pellets on a finger. Levels of microplastics are nearly 60 per cent higher in carpeted homes compared with uncarpeted workplace, the study found (file photo)

Microplastics can be released from modern carpets through friction, wear and tear, age, and methods of cleaning, the study, which was reported in Environmental Pollution, said.

‘Toddlers were exposed to more microcplastics via inhalation of indoor air than adults,’ the researchers said.

They also warned that those with impaired breathing may also be at higher risk from inhaling microplastics.