• • Atmospheric MPs predominantly measure <700 μm, with fibrous shapes dominating; this size fraction is inhalable and can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, posing significant human health risks.
• • Over 20 polymer types have been identified in atmospheric samples, with textiles, tire wear, and dust as major contributors; this chemical diversity complicates source apportionment and necessitates polymer-specific risk assessments.
• • Sampling methods are categorized as passive or active; active sampling is essential for quantifying deposition fluxes, yet no standardized protocol exists, leading to data incomparability across studies.
• • Analytical techniques include μ-FTIR, μ-Raman, LDIR, and mass spectrometry; each has detection limits and resolution trade-offs, and method selection critically influences reported concentrations and polymer distributions.