Returning soon — the days of cotton clothing shrinking to half their size when washed? Microplastics! Carcinogenic toxic DNA-damaging particles from our super-cool yoga pants, sick “tech“ fabric, lit printed polo shirts, dope tight stretchy blue jeans — microplastics absorbed through the skin, injested via our food and drinking water, and swarming in the air around us.
Maybe the original meaning of the word “dope“ will be returning also? 🤯
Might this be another example of how we thought we were so cool and then figured out later, “Oopsies!”? https://lnkd.in/eTSnhi32
Yes, garments and textiles made from polyester, recycled polyester, and spandex shed microplastics, including during wear. Friction from wearing these materials can release microfibers into the air and onto human skin, though the extent of direct absorption through skin remains unclear. These microfibers may contain harmful additives like phthalates or BPA, which can pose risks if inhaled or ingested. Additionally, synthetic fibers shed significantly during washing, contributing to environmental pollution.
As if anyone’s actually going to do this (and I wrote this post while I was literally halfway done unloading my next-level golf shirts from the dryer 😎)…
To reduce the release of microplastics from your clothes, follow these simple steps:
1. Wash Less Frequently: Wear clothes multiple times before washing and spot-clean when possible.
2. Use Full Loads: Washing full loads reduces friction and microfiber shedding.
3. Wash in Cold Water: Cold water minimizes fabric wear and microfiber release.
4. Avoid the Dryer: Air-dry clothes to prevent additional microfiber shedding during tumble drying.
Microplastics pose health risks to humans through skin contact, ingestion, and inhalation:
• Microplastics can breach the skin barrier, causing irritation, inflammation, and disrupting skin homeostasis.
• Toxic chemicals, such as flame retardants (e.g., PBDEs), can leach from microplastics into sweat and be absorbed through the skin, especially when the skin is more hydrated.
Ingestion
• Consuming microplastics through contaminated food or water can lead to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and metabolic disorders.
• They may carry toxic additives or pollutants that disrupt hormones and reproductive health, potentially increasing risks of cancer and other chronic diseases.
Inhalation
• Inhaled microplastics can accumulate in the lungs, causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired lung function.
• Prolonged exposure may exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD and contribute to cardiovascular issues.
