Avoid This Popular Clothing Material That Is Releasing Microplastics Into Your Bl00dstream Every Time It Touches Your Body

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size. These particles come from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as bottles, packaging, and synthetic textiles. Over time, fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic shed tiny fibers as they rub against the skin, experience friction, or are washed in a machine.

These fibers are so small that they often go unnoticed, but they have far-reaching consequences. Microplastics are not only polluting the environment but are also making their way into our bodies, posing potential risks to our health.

How Do Microplastics Enter the Body?

When you wear polyester clothing, small fibers break off and cling to your skin, eventually entering your body through various pathways. These tiny plastic particles can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled as airborne dust, or even ingested if they come in contact with food or water. Once inside the body, microplastics can travel through the bloodstream and may even accumulate in organs.

While much research is still needed to fully understand the long-term impacts, studies suggest that microplastics in the body may cause inflammation, immune system disruption, and potential toxicity. Researchers are also investigating whether these particles could serve as vehicles for carrying harmful chemicals or pathogens into the body, exacerbating health risks.

Why Polyester?

Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum-based products, meaning it doesn’t biodegrade like natural fibers such as cotton or wool. Instead, polyester fibers can last for decades, shedding microscopic particles every time they are washed or worn. The issue is compounded by the growing popularity of fast fashion, which promotes the mass production of cheap polyester clothing that has a short lifespan, leading to higher rates of plastic waste.

In addition, polyester is often blended with other fabrics, making it even harder to remove from the environment. Once microplastics are released into the ecosystem, they can travel vast distances, contaminating oceans, rivers, and even the food chain. Sea life consumes these particles, which may end up on our plates.

What Can You Do?

While eliminating polyester from your wardrobe entirely may be challenging, there are several steps you can take to reduce your exposure to microplastics:

1. Choose Natural Fibers: Opt for clothing made from natural materials like cotton, wool, linen, and silk, which are biodegradable and less likely to shed harmful microplastics.
2. Wash Clothes Less Frequently: Each time you wash synthetic clothing, microplastics are released into the water. By washing your clothes less often, you can minimize the shedding of fibers.
3. Use a Microfiber Filter: Installing a microfiber filter in your washing machine can help trap microplastics before they enter the water system.
4. Wear Protective Layers: Consider wearing a barrier between your skin and polyester garments, such as a cotton shirt or undergarments, to reduce direct contact.
5. Support Sustainable Brands: Choose clothing brands that use sustainable practices, such as those focused on using organic fibers, reducing synthetic materials, or developing innovative fabrics that are free from plastic.
6. Recycle or Donate Polyester Clothing: Instead of throwing away old polyester clothes, recycle them or donate them to extend their life cycle and keep them out of landfills.

Conclusion

While polyester may be a convenient and cost-effective fabric, it comes with a hidden cost to both the environment and our health. The microplastics released by this popular material are finding their way into our bloodstream, causing concern among health professionals and environmentalists alike. By making informed choices about the clothes we wear and supporting more sustainable alternatives, we can reduce our exposure to microplastics and contribute to a healthier planet.

So, next time you’re shopping for new clothes, think twice before reaching for that polyester shirt. Your body and the Earth will thank you.