The Lab
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, 2026

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

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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