Even in the air we breathe...

Plastics being found in our food is a much discussed topic in the media and in scientific research however more recent findings have brought attention to a different risk to public health.

90 million metrics tons of textile fibers were produced globally in 2016, two thirds being plastic based, which primarily can be found on clothing such as sportswear. These fibers can eventually become fine particles through shedding off the clothing, going through industry grinding, abrasion or photo-oxidative degradation. These fine particles now pose a risk through inhalation into humans.

Textile Fibers. Source: Pinterest.

The possible carcinogenic impacts the fibers can have were demonstrated it the 90's yet there appears to be limited research around the subject even now.

Whilst some fibers observed in the study taking place appeared to be too large to actually be inhaled there is a threat that these large fibers could be ingested through dust – this is a particular threat for young children.

It could also be considered that once the aforementioned fibers have been inhaled then it has the potential to release chemicals into the lungs; localised biological responses may also cause an increased threat to those with weaker clearance mechanisms. There is also evidence to suggest that that due to their durability plastic fibers will persist in the lungs and potentially penetrate deep tissue; more research needs to be carried out in this field however to know the exact extent that this will impact our health.

A statement that I find most thought provoking about this topic was made by Dr Stephanie Wright at the Drowning in Plastic event I attended a few weeks ago. From her research she determined that when ordering a plate of seafood at a restaurant, there will be more plastic in the dust that has settled onto the food in the time it takes for it to be brought out to you than in the food itself. This comment I still find shocking weeks later and provides evidence just how much of an impact our plastic habit has in every aspect of in life.