10/29/2024
In our ongoing battle to keep our exposure to chemicals as small as possible, another thing we may have missed is our clothing itself. If at all possible, it is best to stick with natural fibers, preferably organic. In a world where microplastics are everywhere, they are even in our socks, our underwear and our workout clothes just to name a few.
What are microplastics?
As the name suggests, microplastics are tiny particles of plastic, less than five millimeters long. They fall into two categories: Primary microplastics, which are microplastics directly released into the environment as small particles. And secondary microplastics, which come from larger plastics (like bags, bottles, or fishing nets) that break off into tiny pieces over time.
The world’s largest source of primary microplastics is clothing—accounting for an estimated 35 percent. (Car tires are the second largest primary microplastic source.) About 70 percent of clothes produced around the world are made from plastic (synthetic) materials: polyester, nylon, acrylic, and elastane (a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer that’s also known by its brand names, Lycra and spandex). Tiny pieces of synthetic fabric break off from clothing—due to friction caused by washing and wearing—creating microplastics.
What do microplastics have to do with endocrine-disrupting chemicals?
Because of their chemical structure, microplastics attach easily to known endocrine-disrupting chemicals—including dioxins, pesticides (like DDT), brominated flame retardants, phthalates, and bisphenol A (BPA)—in the environment. That means that the endocrine disruptors go everywhere that microplastics do: domestic water systems, rivers, lakes, oceans, and the air.
Eventually they make their way into our bodies—scientists have found evidence of microplastics and nanoplastics (smaller pieces of microplastics) in human blood, intestines, lungs, kidneys, livers, hearts, reproductive organs, and even placentas. They can disrupt critical reproductive and metabolic hormone-regulating connections, like the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, as well as the HP-testicular, HP-thyroid, and HP-adrenal axes, for example. Some studies suggest that microplastics disturb the immune system’s normal response and damage immune cells.
There are a few ways you can limit your microplastic exposure from clothing, along with the amount of microplastics you release into the world.
Choose natural fibers when possible. It’s difficult to find workout clothing made entirely of natural fibers (e.g., cotton, linen, wool, h**p, silk, jute). Until there are more (and better) options, finding clothing with some natural fibers—it probably won’t be 100 percent—it's progress.
Remove your workout clothes immediately after exercising. This may help reduce the possibility of microplastics and the harmful chemicals that bind to them entering your body.
Wash your clothes at lower temperatures. We wash our workout clothes more frequently than other clothing (for good reason). But 8,000 to 6,000,000 microfibers shed per wash, making laundering the biggest contributor of microplastics getting into the environment and eventually into our bodies. Adjusting how we wash (and dry) can reduce our indirect exposure to microplastics through ingestion or inhalation (and the presence of microplastics in our ecosystems). Washing at 86°F (30°C)—which is usually the cold wash setting on most washers—is recommended. Check your washer for specific temperature settings.
Filter your wash water. Studies suggest that washing machine filters—the external filters that attach to your washer—can reduce microfiber emissions.
Air-dry clothing when possible. Research shows that tumble drying clothes releases microfibers into the air. When you can, air-dry your clothes.
Clean your indoor air. Generally, microplastics can accumulate in your indoor air. Dusting frequently, ventilating your home, and changing your AC filters regularly can help minimize their presence.
Align your health, live a longer life! 🌿💧🧬
