Introduction
Clothing is often viewed as a form of self-expression, comfort, and protection. But what if the clothes we wear are silently polluting our bodies and the planet? Over 60% of global textiles are made from synthetic fibres primarily polyester, nylon, and acrylic (Textile Exchange, 2021). These materials, derived from petroleum, have revolutionized fashion due to their low cost, easy care, and flexibility.
However, synthetic textiles are now recognized as a major contributor to microplastic pollution tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in size. These particles are released during the lifecycle of synthetic garments: during manufacturing, daily wear, and most significantly, washing. While the environmental implications have received significant attention, recent studies suggest that the human health risks of microplastic exposure via textiles are just as alarming (Wright & Kelly, 2017).
What Are Microplastics and Where Do They Come From?
Microplastics originate from two primary sources:
Clothing made from synthetic fibres sheds thousands of microfibres per wash. These fibres travel through wastewater systems many of which are not equipped to filter them and end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. It is estimated that a single 6 kg wash can release up to 700,000 microfibres into the environment (Napper & Thompson, 2016).
But shedding doesn’t only happen in the washing machine. Daily wear also contributes, especially through friction. Sitting, walking, or even putting on your clothes causes microscopic fibres to break off and become airborne (Henry et al., 2019), making inhalation a significant exposure route.
How Do Microplastics Affect Human Health?
1. Inhalation: Studies show that microplastic fibres are present in indoor air, especially in urban environments (Dris et al., 2017). When inhaled, these fibres may penetrate the respiratory tract and cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and may contribute to chronic respiratory conditions over time (Prata, 2018).
2. Skin Contact: Although the skin acts as a barrier, synthetic clothing especially during sweating can lead to the leaching of chemical additives such as dyes and plasticizers. These may cause skin irritation, allergies, or exacerbate conditions like dermatitis (Ragusa et al., 2021).
3. Ingestion: Microplastics can settle on food or contaminate water sources. Although not directly related to clothing, the indirect link between synthetic apparel and environmental contamination of food chains means humans are continuously exposed via ingestion (Cox et al., 2019).
Lowering the Washing Frequency – Future of anti-bacteria and anti-odour textile
Microplastic pollution from textiles is an urgent environmental and health concern. While consumers can make impactful choices—such as selecting natural fibres, using microfibre filters, air-drying clothes, and resisting fast fashion—the root of the problem requires deeper innovation.
Frequent washing of synthetic garments remains one of the largest contributors to microfibre shedding, releasing billions of plastic particles into water systems with every laundry cycle. Although awareness is growing, sustainable alternatives must be both practical and accessible to drive meaningful change.
This is where Biorism’s Sil2U nanotechnology offers a promising solution. Designed to extend the freshness and antimicrobial protection of fabrics between washes, Sil2U allows garments to remain hygienic for up to 7 days, effectively reducing the need for frequent laundering.
By lowering wash frequency, Sil2U-treated garments can significantly minimize microplastic shedding over time—aligning with both consumer health and environmental goals.
As the industry moves toward more responsible production and care practices, technologies like Sil2U can help bridge the gap between high-performance apparel and low-impact living.
References
Cox, K. D., et al. “Human Consumption of Microplastics.” Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 53, no. 12, 2019, pp. 7068–7074.
Henry, B., et al. “Microfibres from Apparel and Home Textiles: Prospects for Including Microplastics in Environmental Sustainability Assessment.” Science of the Total Environment, vol. 652, 2019, pp. 483–494.
Napper, I. E., and R. C. Thompson. “Release of Synthetic Microplastic Plastic Fibres from Domestic Washing Machines: Effects of Fabric Type and Washing Conditions.” Marine Pollution Bulletin, vol. 112, no. 1–2, 2016, pp. 39–45.
Prata, J. C. “Airborne Microplastics: Consequences to Human Health?” Environmental Pollution, vol. 234, 2018, pp. 115–126.
Ragusa, A., et al. “Plasticenta: First Evidence of Microplastics in Human Placenta.” Environment International, vol. 146, 2021, article 106274.
Textile Exchange: Preferred Fiber & Materials Market Report. Textile Exchange, 2021.
Wright, S. L., and F. J. Kelly. “Plastic and Human Health: A Micro Issue?” Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 51, no. 12, 2017, pp. 6634–6647.
The article is prepared by Biorism Scientist, Dr. Shazwani (PhD, Material Chemistry).