How harmful are synthetic and plastic fibres to our health?
From PFAS to microplastics, this article explores the evidence showing how synthetic and plastic based textiles can affect our health.
Can chemicals and microplastics from synthetic textiles be absorbed by the body?
Mounting scientific evidence now shows that toxic chemicals, like PFAS “forever chemicals,” can leach from synthetic fabrics and enter the body under heat, sweat, and friction.
Sweat’s natural oils work like gentle solvents, pulling out fat-loving chemicals such as BPA and phthalates. As heat and friction build, plastics soften and shed more easily, releasing these compounds onto our skin and into the world around us.
Once released, these compounds can be absorbed straight into the bloodstream.
It works the same way as skincare, topical pain relief, or nicotine patches. What’s on the surface can pass through the skin’s barrier. While heat and sweat make our skin even more permeable, creating the perfect conditions for these chemicals to slip through.
During high-intensity exercise, you can imagine how this process accelerates.
Once inside the body, PFAS, BPA, and phthalates can interfere with hormone signalling, bind to receptors, and disrupt normal hormone production.
Research in both humans and animals links these exposures to metabolic dysfunction, while certain PFAS have even been associated with increased cancer risk.
The risks don’t end with absorption. Synthetic clothing also sheds microplastics through friction, washing, and drying. These particles pollute the air and waterways, where they can be inhaled, ingested, and accumulate inside the body, adding yet another layer of toxic load.
Unlike natural fibres, synthetics do not biodegrade. They persist for decades or centuries, fragmenting into ever smaller particles that infiltrate soil, oceans, and the food chain. This dual impact on human health and environmental health makes synthetic fabrics one of the most urgent but overlooked toxic exposures of our time.
So what do the studies show?
Lab-simulated studies confirm chemical absorption
When textiles are exposed to simulated sweat, heat, and friction, chemicals like PFAS, BPA, dyes, and benzothiazole can migrate from the fabric into artificial sweat solutions.
Human-relevant skin models (3D skin equivalents) have shown that various PFAS compounds can permeate the skin barrier in these lab tests.
A recent University of Birmingham study using lab-grown human skin tissue demonstrated that up to 13.5% of PFOA and nearly 60% of certain short-chain PFAS were absorbed through skin within hours - challenging assumptions that PFAS exposure through skin is negligible.
Human volunteer evidence detect chemical transfer
Human wear trials have detected trace transfer of chemicals, such as dyes and finishes, from textiles to skin during normal use and sweating. How much transfers depends on fabric type, chemical, heat, contact time, and sweating patterns.
Synthetic clothing releases microplastics
Every time synthetic clothing is worn and washed, it sheds tiny fragments called microplastics. These particles travel through air, evade water treatment systems, and settle in oceans, soil, and eventually our food chains.
A single laundry load of synthetic garments can release hundreds of thousands of microfibres into the water, with dryers also venting out these plastics into the air and dust.
Biomonitoring confirms plastics and particles in humans
Studies have detected microplastics in human lungs, placenta, and bloodstream. In one study published in 2022, nearly four in five participants had detectable microplastics in blood.
While clothing is not the only source of exposure, they confirm internal presence of synthetic materials is possible, and a terrifying reality.
Animal trials on polyester and reproductive hormones
In a now viral experimental study, female dogs wore polyester underwear for up to 12 months and showed reduced progesterone levels and failed to conceive; hormone levels normalised and pregnancies occurred after the polyester was removed.
A separate trial with male dogs showed a significant drop in sperm count and increased abnormalities in those wearing polyester, some of which were not fully reversible.
Reviews recognise dermal uptake
Scientific reviews in toxicology and exposure science describe dermal uptake of PFAS and related chemicals as a plausible route, though they also highlight that food and water are typically the dominant exposure sources, with clothing adding to cumulative load.
In summary
Exposure depends on multiple variables like fabric chemistry, type of finish, body area covered, sweat level, temperature, wear duration, friction, and even washing and ageing.
We still need a lot more standardised test methods and longitudinal field studies that track how everyday wear contributes to chemical exposure.
What you can do to minimise exposure
Choose untreated or certified low-toxicity textiles for areas in direct contact with the skin (look for GOTS, OEKO‑TEX®, bluesign).
Avoid PFAS-based finishes, such as stain- or water-resistant coatings, unless a brand clearly states they’re PFAS-free.
Wash new garments before first wear; avoid wearing them in high heat or abrasion when possible. Also wash in cold water to reduce microplastic shedding.
Consider natural-fibre alternatives (like merino, organic cotton, bamboo, TENCEL™, hemp).
Reduce microplastic exposure by using filtering laundry bags or external lint traps.
Air dry whenever possible. If using a dryer, make sure it vents outdoors to avoid breathing in the microplastics that get expelled into the air from the vent.
Final thoughts
What we are exposed to every day matters. While much of our modern environment is outside our control, we can still make meaningful choices by asking the right questions and gaining knowledge, to understand what steps we can take to reduce our overall toxic load.
As Dr. Rhonda Patrick explains in multiple podcasts (including her episode on Modern Wisdom, which I encourage everyone to listen to), understanding the biggest sources of microplastic exposure is the first step toward protecting ourselves and ultimately encouraging systemic change toward a healthier future for all.
References
Ferrer‑Uris B., et al. (2022). Dermal uptake and migration of textile chemicals: Current understanding and research gaps. AIMS Neuroscience, 9(2), 150–174.
Sunderland E. M., et al. (2019). A review of the pathways of human exposure to PFAS and associated health effects. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 29(2), 131–147.
Leslie H. A., et al. (2022). Discovery and quantification of plastic particles in human blood. Environment International, 163, 107199.
Ragusa A., et al. (2021). Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(2), 427.
Shafik A. (1993). Effect of different types of textile fabric on spermatogenesis. European Urology, 24(3), 375–380.
Shafik A. (1994). Effect of different types of textiles on sexual activity in rats. Eur J Obstet Gynecol, 56(1), 71–74.
Mamavation / Environmental Health News. (2022). PFAS testing in leggings and sports bras finds fluorine in high‑contact areas.
The Guardian. (2024). Toxic PFAS absorbed through skin at levels higher than previously thought.
Can chemicals and microplastics from synthetic textiles be absorbed by the body?
Mounting scientific evidence now shows that toxic chemicals, like PFAS “forever chemicals,” can leach from synthetic fabrics and enter the body under heat, sweat, and friction.
Sweat’s natural oils work like gentle solvents, pulling out fat-loving chemicals such as BPA and phthalates. As heat and friction build, plastics soften and shed more easily, releasing these compounds onto our skin and into the world around us.
Once released, these compounds can be absorbed straight into the bloodstream.
It works the same way as skincare, topical pain relief, or nicotine patches. What’s on the surface can pass through the skin’s barrier. While heat and sweat make our skin even more permeable, creating the perfect conditions for these chemicals to slip through.
During high-intensity exercise, you can imagine how this process accelerates.
Once inside the body, PFAS, BPA, and phthalates can interfere with hormone signalling, bind to receptors, and disrupt normal hormone production.
Research in both humans and animals links these exposures to metabolic dysfunction, while certain PFAS have even been associated with increased cancer risk.
The risks don’t end with absorption. Synthetic clothing also sheds microplastics through friction, washing, and drying. These particles pollute the air and waterways, where they can be inhaled, ingested, and accumulate inside the body, adding yet another layer of toxic load.
Unlike natural fibres, synthetics do not biodegrade. They persist for decades or centuries, fragmenting into ever smaller particles that infiltrate soil, oceans, and the food chain. This dual impact on human health and environmental health makes synthetic fabrics one of the most urgent but overlooked toxic exposures of our time.
So what do the studies show?
Lab-simulated studies confirm chemical absorption
When textiles are exposed to simulated sweat, heat, and friction, chemicals like PFAS, BPA, dyes, and benzothiazole can migrate from the fabric into artificial sweat solutions.
Human-relevant skin models (3D skin equivalents) have shown that various PFAS compounds can permeate the skin barrier in these lab tests.
A recent University of Birmingham study using lab-grown human skin tissue demonstrated that up to 13.5% of PFOA and nearly 60% of certain short-chain PFAS were absorbed through skin within hours - challenging assumptions that PFAS exposure through skin is negligible.
Human volunteer evidence detect chemical transfer
Human wear trials have detected trace transfer of chemicals, such as dyes and finishes, from textiles to skin during normal use and sweating. How much transfers depends on fabric type, chemical, heat, contact time, and sweating patterns.
Synthetic clothing releases microplastics
Every time synthetic clothing is worn and washed, it sheds tiny fragments called microplastics. These particles travel through air, evade water treatment systems, and settle in oceans, soil, and eventually our food chains.
A single laundry load of synthetic garments can release hundreds of thousands of microfibres into the water, with dryers also venting out these plastics into the air and dust.
Biomonitoring confirms plastics and particles in humans
Studies have detected microplastics in human lungs, placenta, and bloodstream. In one study published in 2022, nearly four in five participants had detectable microplastics in blood.
While clothing is not the only source of exposure, they confirm internal presence of synthetic materials is possible, and a terrifying reality.
Animal trials on polyester and reproductive hormones
In a now viral experimental study, female dogs wore polyester underwear for up to 12 months and showed reduced progesterone levels and failed to conceive; hormone levels normalised and pregnancies occurred after the polyester was removed.
A separate trial with male dogs showed a significant drop in sperm count and increased abnormalities in those wearing polyester, some of which were not fully reversible.
Reviews recognise dermal uptake
Scientific reviews in toxicology and exposure science describe dermal uptake of PFAS and related chemicals as a plausible route, though they also highlight that food and water are typically the dominant exposure sources, with clothing adding to cumulative load.
In summary
Exposure depends on multiple variables like fabric chemistry, type of finish, body area covered, sweat level, temperature, wear duration, friction, and even washing and ageing.
We still need a lot more standardised test methods and longitudinal field studies that track how everyday wear contributes to chemical exposure.
What you can do to minimise exposure
Choose untreated or certified low-toxicity textiles for areas in direct contact with the skin (look for GOTS, OEKO‑TEX®, bluesign).
Avoid PFAS-based finishes, such as stain- or water-resistant coatings, unless a brand clearly states they’re PFAS-free.
Wash new garments before first wear; avoid wearing them in high heat or abrasion when possible. Also wash in cold water to reduce microplastic shedding.
Consider natural-fibre alternatives (like merino, organic cotton, bamboo, TENCEL™, hemp).
Reduce microplastic exposure by using filtering laundry bags or external lint traps.
Air dry whenever possible. If using a dryer, make sure it vents outdoors to avoid breathing in the microplastics that get expelled into the air from the vent.
Final thoughts
What we are exposed to every day matters. While much of our modern environment is outside our control, we can still make meaningful choices by asking the right questions and gaining knowledge, to understand what steps we can take to reduce our overall toxic load.
As Dr. Rhonda Patrick explains in multiple podcasts (including her episode on Modern Wisdom, which I encourage everyone to listen to), understanding the biggest sources of microplastic exposure is the first step toward protecting ourselves and ultimately encouraging systemic change toward a healthier future for all.
References
Ferrer‑Uris B., et al. (2022). Dermal uptake and migration of textile chemicals: Current understanding and research gaps. AIMS Neuroscience, 9(2), 150–174.
Sunderland E. M., et al. (2019). A review of the pathways of human exposure to PFAS and associated health effects. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 29(2), 131–147.
Leslie H. A., et al. (2022). Discovery and quantification of plastic particles in human blood. Environment International, 163, 107199.
Ragusa A., et al. (2021). Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(2), 427.
Shafik A. (1993). Effect of different types of textile fabric on spermatogenesis. European Urology, 24(3), 375–380.
Shafik A. (1994). Effect of different types of textiles on sexual activity in rats. Eur J Obstet Gynecol, 56(1), 71–74.
Mamavation / Environmental Health News. (2022). PFAS testing in leggings and sports bras finds fluorine in high‑contact areas.
The Guardian. (2024). Toxic PFAS absorbed through skin at levels higher than previously thought.
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