Emission of microplastics particles during the mechanical removal of polymer materials in cosmetics industry

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4302/plp.v17i2.1345

Abstract

Plastics and microplastics represent an increasing threat to both the environment and human health, particularly in enclosed spaces such as beauty salons. This study presents a preliminary characterization of microplastic particles generated during the milling of various nail styling materials. Morphological analyses were carried out using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while chemical composition was determined by FTIR spectroscopy. The results revealed that the microplastic particles ranged in size from a few to several tens of micrometers and exhibited diverse morphologies. Component identification confirmed the presence of potentially irritating, allergenic, and asthma-inducing substances such as acrylates. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into inhalation exposure among beauty salon workers, as well as the necessity of emission control strategies for microplastics in such environments.

Full Text: PDF

References

  1. M.O. Rodrigues, N. Abrantesb, F.J.M. Gonçalvesa, H. Nogueira, J.C. Marquesd, A.M.M. Gonçalvesa, "Impacts of plastic products used in daily life on the environment and human health: What is known?", Environm. Toxicology Pharmacology 72, 103239 (2019), CrossRef
  2. R.C. Thompson, C.J. Moore, F.S. vom Saal, S.H. Swan, "Plastics, the environment and human health: current consensus and future trends", Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364, 1526 (2009), CrossRef
  3. J.P.G.L. Frias, R. Nash, "Microplastics: Finding a consensus on the definition", Marine Pollution Bulletin, 138 (2019), CrossRef
  4. Defining Primary and Secondary Microplastics: "Defining Primary and Secondary Microplastics: A Connotation Analysis", A Connotation Analysis, J. Song, C. Wang, G. Li, ACS EST Water , 4, 6 (2024), CrossRef
  5. Y. Li, L. Tao, Q. Wang, F. Wang, G. Li, M. Song, "Potential Health Impact of Microplastics: A Review of Environmental Distribution, Human Exposure, and Toxic Effects", Environment and Health 1, 4 (2023). CrossRef
  6. K. Ziani, C.-B. Ioniță-Mîndrican, M. Mititelu, S.M. Neacșu, C. Negrei, E. Moroșan, D. Drăgănescu, O.-T. Preda, "Microplastics: A Real Global Threat for Environment and Food Safety: A State of the Art Review", Nutrients. 15, 3 (2023), CrossRef
  7. M. Liro, A. Zielonka, "Towards a geography of plastic fragmentation", Microplastics and Nanoplastics, 5, 1 (2025), CrossRef
  8. E.-Y. Chen, K.-T. Lin, C.-C. Jung, C.-L. Chang, C.-Y. Chen, "Characteristics and influencing factors of airborne microplastics in nail salons", Science of The Total Environment 806, 151472 (2022). CrossRef
  9. Workplace atmospheres – Size fraction definitions for measurement of airborne particles DirectLink

Downloads

Published

2025-07-01

How to Cite

[1]
S. Drewniak, E. Wika, and Łukasz Drewniak, “Emission of microplastics particles during the mechanical removal of polymer materials in cosmetics industry”, Photonics Lett. Pol., vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 54–56, Jul. 2025.

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Sabina Drewniak, Ewa Wika, Łukasz Drewniak

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).