Scientists have been left baffled by a mysterious pollutant that’s ‘widely present’ in the atmosphere.
Methylsiloxane is a specific type of silicone commonly used in industry, transportation, cosmetics, and household products.
Previous studies have suggest that it is only found in the air in areas close to traffic, through the evaporation of industrial products.
However, a new analysis shows that this isn’t the case.
A study led by researchers from Utrecht University has found that methylsiloxane is also present in high concentrations across urban, coastal, rural, and forest sites.
Worryingly, scientists have no idea what these pollutants do to human health.
Dr Rupert Holzinger, associate professor at Utrecht University who co–supervised the study said: ‘We estimate that the daily inhalation dose of methylsiloxanes may exceed that of other synthetic compounds, such as PFAS and micro– and nanoplastics.
‘We therefore underscore the urgent need for the evaluation of these health impacts.’
A study led by researchers from Utrecht University has found that methylsiloxane is present in high concentrations across urban, coastal, rural, and forest sites
From PFAS to microplastics, synthetic pollutants are known to be pervasive in the environment.
However, until now, methylsiloxane – a class of these synthetics – has been largely ignored.
A few years ago, researchers found that ships and vehicles emit large molecules of methylsiloxanes that do not evaporate.
In their new study, the team set out to understand how widespread these large molecules now are.
The team took air samples from various regions across the Netherlands, Lithuania, and Brazil.
The results suggest that these large molecular methylsiloxanes are now almost everywhere.
‘The findings also suggest that concentrations of methylsiloxane in the atmosphere are much higher than expected,’ Dr Holzinger said.
The concentrations were highest in urban areas, with 98 nanograms per cubic meter in samples taken from the large metropolitan area of São Paulo, Brazil.
As for the source, the analysis revealed that over half the detected particles originated from traffic emissions – with the exact source likely engine oil (stock image)
In contrast, concentrations were lowest in forest sites, with a 0.9 nanograms per cubic meter reading in Rugsteliskis, Lithuania.
As for the source, the analysis revealed that over half the detected particles originated from traffic emissions – with the exact source likely engine oil.
Since methylsiloxanes are present almost everywhere, it’s likely humans are continuously exposed to them, and inhale ‘considerable amounts’.
However, the health impacts remain unknown.
In addition, the researchers say that large molecular methylsiloxanes may influence climate change.
Writing in their study, published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, the researchers said: ‘Collectively, these considerations highlight the need for comprehensive and timely research on methylsiloxanes in atmospheric particulate matter, given their potential implications for human health, climate change, and environmental sustainability.’
WHAT IS THE AIR QUALITY INDEX?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure used by environmental agencies and other public bodies around the world to measure how clean the air is.
The lower the index is, the better the quality of the air.
The AQI provides a number which is easy to compare between different pollutants, locations, and time periods.
Exactly how this score is categorised varies from country to country, but each category in the AQI corresponds to a different level of health risk.
The daily results of the index are used to convey to the public an estimate of air pollution level.
The AQI provides a number which is easy to compare between different pollutants, locations, and time periods. Exactly how this score is categorised varies from country to country, but each category in theAQI corresponds to a different level of health risk
An increase in air quality index signifies increased air pollution and severe threats to human health.
The AQI centres on the health effects that may be experienced within a few days or hours after breathing polluted air.
AQI calculations focus on major air pollutants including: particulate matter, ground-level ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
Particulate matter and ozone pollutants pose the highest risks to human health and the environment.
For each of these air pollutant categories, different countries have their own established air quality indices in relation to other nationally set air quality standards for public health protection.
