Synthetic Fabrics and Microfiber Pollution–An Assessment of Their Global Impact

Plastics, that end up in the environment do not biodegrade but fragmentizes into tiny pieces called Microfibres. Microfibers, a subcategory of Microplastics, are released during the conventional washing of synthetic clothing comprising of acrylic, polyesters, and nylon polymers. Although acrylic, viscose, and polypropylene are used for microfiber production, the main sources are polyester and polyamide. Plastic debris less than 1 mm in size is accumulating in marine ecosystem. The assessment of microplastics in sediments revealed that the distribution of polyester and acrylic fibers commonly used in clothing closely matched those present in environments receiving sewage effluents and discharges. This implies that a significant portion of the microplastic fibers discovered in the marine environment might originate from sewage, as a result of microfiber shedding during the conventional and typical washing of fabrics and textiles. Due to the exponential growth in population and the increased use of synthetic textiles, it is probable that the contamination of ecosystems and wildlife by microplastics will also rise. Ingestion of microfibers presents a possible route for the transmission of pollutants, monomers, and plastic additives to organisms, the health implications of which remain uncertain. Ingesting microplastics not only diminishes the quantity of nutrition obtained from food, but it also poses potential risk of toxic bacterial exposure. Of all the chemicals recognized to be persistent in the environment, accumulate in the food chain, and lethal to life, 78% have been detected in or on microfibers. The bioaccumulation of these toxic and lethal chemicals poses a threat to all marine creatures, humans, and wildlife. Apart from the risks associated with consumption, the sheer volume of microfibers present in marine and coastal environments carries significant ecological consequences. Research has revealed that the decreased warming rates of sandy sediments containing microfibers have led to a decline in oyster reproduction rates and have also affected the sexual determination of sea turtles, among other observed effects. Inhaling plastic microfibers has the potential to linger in the lungs, triggering inflammation, which in turn may result in various health issues, including reproductive complications, DNA damage, and even cancer. Numerous studies have indicated that individuals employed in industries involving plastic-based textiles face an elevated risk of respiratory problems, due to fairly high inhalation of microplastics, similar to the risks of particle pollutants such as asbestos and dust.