Introduction to Microplastics: What You Need to Know
Did you know that the clothes you wear might be contributing to a global pollution crisis? Polyester, one of the most commonly used fabrics, sheds tiny particles known as microplastics—and they’re affecting both our environment and our health. Here’s what you need to know:
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size. They originate from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are intentionally manufactured, such as in microbeads found in cosmetics. When it comes to polyester clothing, microplastics are released during:
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Washing: Friction and agitation in washing machines cause synthetic fibers to break down and enter wastewater.
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Wearing: Everyday wear and tear can cause polyester fabrics to shed microfibers into the air.
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Disposal: As polyester garments degrade in landfills, they release microplastics into the surrounding environment.
According to a study published in Environmental Science & Technology, synthetic textiles are responsible for 35% of primary microplastic pollution in the world’s oceans (Boucher & Friot, 2017).
Where Do Microplastics End Up?
Once released, microplastics find their way into:
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Waterways: Washing machine wastewater carries microplastics into rivers, lakes, and oceans, where they harm aquatic ecosystems.
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Air: Studies show that microplastics can become airborne and are present in indoor and outdoor environments (Prata et al., 2020).
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Food Chain: Marine life ingests microplastics, which then accumulate up the food chain and can end up on our plates (Rochman et al., 2013).
Why Should You Care?
The prevalence of microplastics in our environment has direct and indirect consequences for human health:
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Respiratory Risks: Inhaling airborne microplastics can irritate the respiratory system and lead to inflammation.
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Chemical Exposure: Many microplastics carry harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors.
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Long-Term Health Effects: Emerging research suggests microplastics may accumulate in human tissues, potentially leading to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation (Schwabl et al., 2019).
What Can You Do?
While the problem is significant, there are steps you can take to reduce microplastic pollution:
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Choose Natural Fibers: Opt for clothing made from organic cotton, hemp, or linen instead of synthetic materials.
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Use Washing Aids: Products like Guppyfriend washing bags or microfiber filters can help catch microplastics before they enter wastewater.
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Wash Smart: Wash clothes less frequently, on a gentle cycle, and in cold water to reduce fiber shedding.
Microplastics might be small, but their impact is massive. By making informed choices, you can help reduce the problem and protect both your health and the planet.
Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where we’ll explore the specific health risks associated with microplastics in more detail!
Citations:
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Boucher, J., & Friot, D. (2017). "Primary Microplastics in the Oceans: A Global Evaluation of Sources." Environmental Science & Technology.
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Prata, J. C., et al. (2020). "Airborne microplastics: Consequences to human health?" Environmental International.
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Rochman, C. M., et al. (2013). "Ingested plastic transfers hazardous chemicals to fish and induces hepatic stress." Scientific Reports.
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Schwabl, P., et al. (2019). "Detection of microplastics in human stool." Annals of Internal Medicine.