Hidden Dangers in Your Wardrobe: Microplastics & Health Risks

January 8, 2025

Have you ever considered that your favourite shirt or comfortable leggings might be doing more than just keeping you stylish and warm? Recent research has unveiled a surprising and concerning route of microplastic exposure: absorption through the skin from our own clothing. Let's delve into how this happens and what it means for our health.

THE UNSEEN JOURNEY OF MICROPLASTICS

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimetres in size. They're ubiquitous in our environment, found in oceans, air, and now, alarmingly, within our bodies. Synthetic clothing made from materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic sheds microplastics through regular wear and washing. These minuscule particles can come into direct contact with our skin, leading to potential absorption.

A groundbreaking study by researchers at the University of Birmingham discovered that toxic chemicals associated with these microplastics could be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream1. This means that simply wearing certain types of clothing might expose us to harmful substances without us even realising it.

HOW DO MICROPLASTICS ENTER OUR SKIN?

The process begins when microplastics in clothing leach chemicals such as flame retardants and plasticisers. Factors influencing absorption include:

Skin Hydration: Sweaty or moist skin can absorb higher levels of chemicals. The study found that more hydrated skin facilitated greater chemical uptake1.
Duration of Exposure: Prolonged contact with microplastics increases the likelihood of absorption. Considering we wear clothes all day, this is significant.
Chemical Properties: The study focused on chemicals like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), commonly used as flame retardants, which are known for their ability to penetrate the skin barrier.

Up to 8% of the chemicals exposed to the skin could be absorbed over a 24-hour period. While this percentage may seem small, the continuous nature of exposure raises concerns about cumulative effects.

HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF MICROPLASTIC ABSORPTION

Many chemicals used in producing plastics are linked to adverse health effects. Potential risks include:

Endocrine Disruption: Chemicals like PBDEs can interfere with hormone function, affecting metabolism, growth, and reproductive systems.
Organ Damage: Accumulation of toxic substances may lead to liver damage and impair other vital organs.
Cancer Risk: Some plastic additives are carcinogenic, increasing the likelihood of developing certain cancers.
Immune System Impact: Chronic exposure can weaken immune responses, making the body more susceptible to illnesses.

The ability of these chemicals to enter the bloodstream through skin contact signifies a route of exposure that was previously underestimated.

MICROPLASTICS: A BROADER ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE

Our clothing is not just a personal health concern but also an environmental one. Synthetic textiles are a significant source of microplastic pollution:

Laundry Releases: Washing synthetic clothes can release millions of microfibres into wastewater, which wastewater treatment plants may not fully filter out.
Environmental Accumulation: These microplastics accumulate in oceans, rivers, and soil, affecting wildlife and entering the food chain.
Pollutant Carriers: Microplastics can absorb and concentrate other toxic pollutants, amplifying their harmful effects.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Addressing this issue requires both personal action and broader systemic changes:

Choose Natural Fibres: Opt for clothing made from natural materials like cotton, linen, wool, or hemp, which are less likely to shed microplastics.
Wash Smarter: Use laundry bags designed to catch microfibres or install filters on washing machines to reduce microfibre release.
Support Sustainable Brands: Purchase clothing from companies committed to environmentally friendly practices and reducing plastic use.
Advocate for Change: Encourage policy-makers to regulate harmful chemicals in textiles and invest in research for safer alternatives.
Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest research on microplastics to make educated decisions about the products you use.

LOOKING AHEAD

The discovery that microplastics from clothing can be absorbed through our skin highlights the intricate ways in which human health is connected to environmental health. It underscores the urgency of re-evaluating the materials we use daily.

As consumers, we have the power to drive change by demanding safer products and supporting sustainable practices. By taking proactive steps, we not only protect our health but also contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

References:

Back to blog