this post was submitted on 28 Aug 2023

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If we are worried about microplastics, why isnt there more outrage over "microfiber" ? (self.nostupidquestions)

submitted 1 year ago by silentknyght to c/nostupidquestions

13 comments fedilink hide all child comments

It seems like microfiber materials should be a major contributor to micro plastics, especially with all the laundering of the microfiber cloths and clothes.

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[–] AbouBenAdhem 67 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Others have pointed out that microfiber would already be considered microplastic, but maybe you’re aware of that and are thinking that microplastics are plastics that are manufactured to be microscopic (like fiberglass is manufactured as microscopic glass).

But all (petroleum-based) plastics break down into microplastics, whatever scale they’re originally manufactured at. Microfiber is no different from other synthetic cloth in that respect—while it should be avoided like other synthetics, there’s no reason to single it out.

[–] silentknyght 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I'm thinking of it like the micro plastics that were purposely added to bath wash and soap, and now are banned for use in that purpose. I'm not entirely sure I understand the logic behind why those are (justifiably) banned, but microfiber cloths are not.

My stupid question is because I haven't seen any other news articles specifically talking about microfiber and its contribution to micro plastics.

[–] AbouBenAdhem 4 points 1 year ago

There is a distinction between “primary” microplastics like you’re describing, and “secondary” microplastics caused by the breakdown of larger items.

From Wikipedia:

Two classifications of microplastics are currently recognized. Primary microplastics include any plastic fragments or particles that are already 5.0 mm in size or less before entering the environment. These include microfibers from clothing, microbeads, and plastic pellets (also known as nurdles). Secondary microplastics arise from the degradation (breakdown) of larger plastic products through natural weathering processes after entering the environment.

[–] db2 33 points 1 year ago

Is the microfiber made of plastic? If yes it's covered by the term microplastics already, if no then it really doesn't apply does it.

[–] pwnicholson 21 points 1 year ago

Plastic fibers would be covered under microplastic concerns, and organic fibers (cotton, wool, etc) are easily broken down and don't stick around in your system.

Plastics don't ever go away. They hang around, and we're discovering they hang around in our bodies too. Organic fiber stuff can be easily broken down or passed through your body.

[–] [email protected] 15 points 1 year ago (1 children)

There's outrage over microplastics because it's a petroleum product and not only is it showing up in our food but also our organs. One of if not the worst contributor to microplastics is tire wear spewing rubberized dust into the air.

[–] Earthwormjim91 14 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Microfiber is generally a petroleum product too. It’s usually made of polyamides, like nylon, and polypropylene woven with polyester.

85% of man made debris found on shores are microfiber.

Microfiber is one of the biggest contributors to microplastics, with on average 1.7g being shed per wash.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microfiber

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Then it falls under the microplastics talk already. Why make a distinction?

[–] Earthwormjim91 14 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Because people have been told a bunch about this vague idea of microplastics, but not that a bunch of shit they buy, like microfiber, are major contributors to that.

I thinks it’s less distinction and more awareness.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

On the contrary, when I think "microplastics", those fucking micrrofibre chamoises are what I'm thinking of.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago

Yes they are and I've seen it spoken about. It will take a while to change things if people are willing. But if people keep buying plastic clothes then they will continue being available. It's hard to find 100% cotton for many things, like socks.