Study: Gentle laundry programs release more microfibers

Delicate? Well, rather full-wash. In any case, this means researchers at the University of Newcastle who, through a series of tests, discovered that on average clothing releases 800,000 more microfibres in gentle laundry programs than in standard programs, according to a new study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

- The result was surprising. It might be thought that gentle programs protect clothes and lead to the release of smaller microspots, but our study shows the opposite, says Grant Burgess, professor of marine microbiology, who led the research, to The Guardian.

The discovery contradicts previous assumptions that standard programs, where a smaller amount of water is used than in fine washing, release more microfibers into the wastewater. In the past, it has been believed that the amount of microplastics released is related to how fast the machine spins. Instead, the deciding factor seems to be the amount of water, according to the study.

- For a larger amount of water, the clothes will be wrapped around more (in the machine) than in a smaller amount. The water penetrates the clothing and pulls polyester fibers from the fabrics, Burgess says.

To obtain the results, the researchers performed a series of tests with black polyester sweaters, both lab tests in machines similar to ordinary washing machines, but also tests in real washing machines at the Procter & Gamble research center. Among other things, different amounts of water, temperatures, length of time and speed of rotation have been tested.

"The research is important because it helps us identify how microfibers reach the marine environment," says Professor Tamara Galloway, ecotoxicologist at the University of Exeter, who did not, however, participate in the study.

She continues:

- We have found microplastics in most of the marine animals we have studied, including turtles, seals and dolphins. Microfibers are the type of microplastics that we encounter most often. Although we cannot say for certain what the health effects of an intake are, we should prioritize minimal exposure to protect the marine environment and the food chain.

Each year, the clothing industry produces over 42 million tons of synthetic fibers. The vast majority, about 80 percent, are used to make polyester garments. Previous tests have shown that washing of synthetic objects can release between 500,000 to six million microfibers per wash, writes The Guardian.