Synthetic Fibers | Marine Pollution | We, Too, Consume Plastic Every Day

Microplastics—tiny, invisible plastic particles—have become a major issue. As part of the push to reduce plastic use, plastic shopping bags are now subject to a fee.

We’re eating the equivalent of one credit card’s worth of plastic every week

It’s said that we consume 5 grams of plastic per week—the equivalent of a credit card. *Note 1
That’s four credit cards a month, isn’t it? That’s quite a lot.
While the issues of marine pollution affecting fish, sea turtles, and seabirds are often discussed, humans are no exception—we’re ingesting it too.
In the U.S. , plastic fibers have been found in tap water, and microplastics have reportedly been detected in 93% of bottled beverages. *Note 1

Half of the microplastics we ingest come from the air

This means that nearly half of the microplastics we ingest come from the air. ※Note 1
It is also said that simply wearing polyester clothing releases three times as many microplastic fibers as washing it does. ※Note 2
However, many researchers seem skeptical that these fibers actually reach the lungs.
They likely get trapped in the mucous membranes of the nasal passages and throat, where they are swallowed.

Microplastic fibers are also reportedly released during laundry.
Because microplastic fibers are so small, they slip through wastewater treatment plants and they flow easily into the sea via the river. ※Note 3
According to a British study, 35% of all microplastics polluting the ocean come from washing synthetic fabrics. ※Note 4

While the effects of these microfibers on the human body are not yet fully understood, I believe issues such as marine pollution are serious.

It is said that invisible microfibers floating in the ocean often carry oil-soluble toxic substances such as dioxins and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls).

These substances are ingested by plankton, then taken up by shrimp and fish that feed on plankton, and eventually accumulate in larger fish and cetaceans.
The higher up the food chain you go, the more these substances become concentrated.
The fish, shrimp, shellfish, and crabs we eat may also be becoming contaminated.

Summary

It’s no good whether you wear them or wash them. So what should we do? I think the best solution is simply not to buy synthetic clothing. If it doesn’t sell, they won’t make it. That said, it’s pretty difficult these days. I’ve been to stores and told a salesperson I wanted something made of 100% natural fibers, only to be told, “It tends to lose its shape if it doesn’t contain synthetic fibers.” Also, a lot of sportswear is made of synthetic materials. I’ve even ended up buying a nylon windbreaker myself…That said, I tend to avoid brands like ○eat○eck. Personally, I’m not a big fan of synthetic fabrics with high performance features. Even in winter, I get by by wearing a thick, 100% cotton T-shirt underneath.

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