Synthetic Textile Microfibers as Emerging Pollutants: A Critical Review of Environmental and Health Consequence

Abstract

Microfiber pollution is a serious environmental problem that has been created by on-going commercial use of synthetic textiles for clothing. When washed, these textiles release tiny pieces of plastic also known as microfibers. Many of these fibers enter into waste or treatment plants and then into the aquatic environment where they cause harm to human health and marine ecosystems. The negative impacts from microfiber pollution (air quality, water and energy consumption and chemical pollution due to detergent) are covered in this study. Moreover, the uptake of microfibers by swallowing or breathing in is extremely harmful to health. There are several action steps that can be taken to minimize this pollution, such as the use of sustainable textiles, changing washing routines and the use of microfiber collection machines. Moreover, structural changes (such as public educative campaigns, policy campaigns) to increase greatly the development should be realized. This study highlights solutions that can be undertaken to address the problem of microfiber pollution and safeguard the planet and public health. The above terms refer to the defining features of microfibers: Micro-sized, Microfiber pollution, The impact on your health – Health hazard and Microfiber-catching equipment – The equipment designed to catch the microfibers.