Correlating Scanning Electron Microscopy and Raman Microscopy to Quantify Occupational Exposure to Micro- and Nanoscale Plastics in Textile Manufacturing

Airborne micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) are increasingly recognized as a potential occupational exposure hazard, yet substance-specific workplace data remain limited. This study quantified airborne MNP concentrations during polyester microfiber production using a correlative SEM–Raman approach that enabled chemical identification and size-resolved particle characterization. The aerosol mixture at the workplace was dominated by sub-micrometer particles, with PET—handled onsite—representing the main process-related MNP type, and black tire rubber (BTR) forming a substantial background contribution. Across both sampling periods, total MNP particle number concentrations ranged between 6.2 × 105 and 1.2 × 106 particles/m3, indicating consistently high particle counts. In contrast, estimated MNP-related mass concentrations were much lower, with PM10 levels of 12–15 µg/m3 and PM2.5 levels of 1.3–1.6 µg/m3, remaining well below applicable occupational exposure limits and near or below 8 h-equivalent WHO guideline values. Comparison with earlier workplace and indoor studies suggests that previously reported concentrations were likely underestimated due to sampling strategies with low efficiency for small particles. Moreover, real-time optical measurements substantially underestimated particle number and mass in this study, reflecting their limited suitability for aerosols dominated by small or dark particles. Overall, the data show that workplace MNP exposure at the investigated site is driven primarily by very small particles present in high numbers but low mass. The findings underscore the need for substance-specific, size-resolved analytical approaches to adequately assess airborne MNP exposure and to support future development of MNP-relevant occupational health guidelines.