A job exposure matrix for occupational exposure to airborne micro and nanoplastics (PlastiXJEM(R)) and associations with respiratory outcomes

BackgroundMicroplastics and nanoplastics (MNP) are an increasingly recognized component of airborne particulate matter, yet their impact on respiratory health is unclear. This study aimed to develop a job exposure matrix (JEM) for occupational exposure to airborne MNP (PlastiXJEM(R)) and examine its association with respiratory outcomes in the Lifelines cohort. MethodsFour experts scored occupational airborne MNP exposure levels (none, low, high) for all ISCO-08 occupations based on documented sources and published evidence. After consensus, the PlastiXJEM(R) was applied to baseline current or last-held jobs of 136,928 adult Lifelines participants. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associatio