Specimen No. 0122
CautionSyntheticmaterialplasticizer
Polyester / Nylon (Textile)
polyester · nylon · pet fibre
Synthetic petroleum-derived fibres. Each laundry wash releases hundreds of thousands of microfibre particles into waterways, which enter the food chain.
medium confidence
Researched April 18, 2026Specimen 0122Polyester / Nylon (Textile)
Concerns
- 700,000+ synthetic microfibres shed per wash cycle
- Microfibres pass through wastewater treatment and enter the ocean food chain
- Possible residual carcinogenic dyes in some formulations
- Not biodegradable
Regulatory flags
- ⚑Sheds microplastics into waterways with every wash cycle
- ⚑EU developing ecodesign requirements for synthetic textiles
Commonly found in
ActivewearFast fashionSwimwearFleeceCarpet
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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