Specimen No. 0106
AvoidSyntheticmaterialhousehold chemical
Polyester / Nylon (Microplastic Shedding)
polyester · nylon · synthetic fabric
Synthetic textiles shed thousands of microplastic fibers per wash cycle that enter waterways and food chain. Microplastics have been detected in human blood, lungs, placenta, and breast milk.
medium confidence
Researched April 18, 2026Specimen 0106Polyester / Nylon (Microplastic Shedding)
Concerns
- Up to 700,000 microfibers shed per wash cycle per garment (PLoS ONE 2016)
- Microplastics detected in human blood (Nature Medicine 2022), lungs, placenta, and breast milk
- Act as carriers for chemical pollutants (PCBs, PAHs) into food chain
- Marine microplastic contamination now ubiquitous — no pristine ecosystem unaffected
Regulatory flags
- ⚑EU restricting intentionally added microplastics (2023 REACH amendment)
- ⚑Detected in human blood and placental tissue
Commonly found in
Polyester clothingFleeceNylon activewearCarpetsUpholstery
Sources & references
Last researched: April 18, 2026
Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.
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