Assessing microplastics exposure for laundry and dry cleaning workers
Official title: Inhalation exposure assessment to microplastics for workers in the laundry and dry cleaning industry
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-10932098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how much microplastic dust workers in laundry and dry cleaning jobs breathe in while they work, to see if it could affect their lung health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $182,366 |
| NIH project number | 5R21OH012595-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932098 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are workers in the laundry and dry cleaning industry who handle synthetic textiles regularly.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not work in environments with exposure to microplastics, such as those in unrelated occupations or the general public, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the levels of microplastics that workers in the laundry and dry cleaning industry are exposed to during their daily tasks. It aims to measure airborne microplastics in the workplace and understand how these exposures may affect respiratory health. By focusing on workers who handle synthetic fibers, the study seeks to fill a significant gap in knowledge regarding occupational health risks associated with microplastics. The methodology includes direct measurements of personal exposure to microplastics in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved workplace safety standards and health outcomes for workers in the laundry and dry cleaning industry.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on microplastics exposure in general populations, this specific focus on occupational exposure in the laundry and dry cleaning industry is novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Inkyu — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Han, Inkyu
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.