What are the health effects of inhaling microfibers from clothing?

Inhaling microplastic fibers is an emerging health concern with growing scientific evidence. Researchers have found synthetic microfibers embedded in human lung tissue, and occupational studies of textile workers exposed to high fiber concentrations have documented increased rates of respiratory issues including coughing, breathlessness, and reduced lung capacity.

At a cellular level, microplastics in the lungs trigger inflammation and oxidative stress. Animal studies show that inhaled plastic particles can cause tissue damage and immune responses similar to those seen with other fine particulate matter. Because synthetic fibers do not biodegrade, they can accumulate in lung tissue over a lifetime of exposure, with effects that may compound over decades.

While research is still evolving, the precautionary principle suggests minimizing exposure wherever possible. Since indoor air is a primary route of microfiber inhalation, replacing synthetic home textiles and clothing with natural fibers can meaningfully reduce your daily intake. ONDU's curated brands use materials like Tencel, organic cotton, and merino wool that shed only biodegradable fibers.