This paper addresses the growing concern surrounding microplastic pollution, particularly within the textile industry, and the associated potential health risks linked to the inhalation and ingestion of microplastic particles. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimeters, are increasingly found not only in aquatic environments, but also in soils, air, and food. Although research on the health impacts of microplastics is still emerging, early studies indicate that these particles could contribute to health issues, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. Notably, individuals with higher concentrations of plastics in arterial plaques are more susceptible to heart attacks and strokes. In the textile industry, synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic release microplastics into the air during production. The paper discusses a study conducted in a textile company that processes polyester yarns, where airborne microplastic concentrations were measured at various locations throughout the day. Particle sizes ranging from 0.3 nm to 10 nm were analyzed, revealing the presence of polyester polymers in the particulate matter. These findings underscore the widespread nature of microplastic pollution, particularly in industrial settings, and raise concerns about the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to airborne microplastics. While further research is necessary to fully understand the extent of these health impacts, preliminary data suggest a troubling link between microplastic inhalation and cardiovascular conditions.

The aim of the studies was to determine the level and kind of fungal contamination of air in museum, deposits patrimony, restoration and conservation laboratories and their effects on health of workers. Microbiological air purity was measured with a SAS-100 Surface Air System impactor. The fungal contamination was observed in all 54 rooms where we made determinations. The highest levels of fungal were recorded at rooms with hygroscopic patrimony objects, eg carpets, chairs, upholstered chairs, books etc. The most species identified included under common allergens: Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Mucor. There fungal species belonging to the genus identified in this study, can trigger serious diseases museum workers, such as for example Aspergillus fumigatus, known allergies and toxic effects that may occur. In some places of the museum, occupational exposure limit values to fungi present in the air in the work environment, recommended by the specialized literature, have been overcome.

The textile industry is one of the most polluting sectors, its contribution to the growing contamination with microfibers being of recent interest. Microfibers are an important part of microplastics, a real problem in our society. Textiles are dominated by synthetic fibres, generating microfibres as environmental contaminants. Exposure may also occur in the workplace, but fewer studies address this topic. Although synthetic microfibres toxicity is not fully understood, is accepted that their dimensions can influence health effects. This study analysed the length and diameter of 201 airborne polyester fibres sampled in the working environment of a textile factory. Phase contrast microscopic analysis was performed using NIOSH method 7400. Three size categories were considered for the length: small (≤ 10 μm), medium (10 - 100 μm) and large (≥ 100 μm). Four diameter categories: thin (≤ 1 μm), medium (≤ 2 μm) and thick (≤ 3 μm) were defined. Diameters over 3 microns were considered elongated microplastics. Results show that most of the fibres (93%) were less than 100 μ long (20.1% being less than 10 μ) and the fibres with 1μ diameter were predominant (42.8%) Such fibres may reach into the bronchial tree and even further, where they may cause health problems.

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