Microplastics: Why you shouldn’t wash your T-shirt after one wear

The research, which was conducted at a lab in Manly Vale, Sydney, found that most of the microplastics in our waterways were acrylic, nylon and polyester. Last year, the micrometresized plastics were found in humans for the first time and were thought to be a result of consuming seafood.

Experts fear the ingestion of microplastics in the body could damage the immune system, trigger inflammation and could help carry toxins such as mercury or pesticides into the body. In sea mammals, plastics may damage fertility.

Browne said as clothing was an ineliminable daily item, the findings created an extreme environmental challenge. He said certain polymers could be avoided, but ultimately clothing companies needed to ‘‘play their part’’ in redesigning materials.

‘‘Plastic bottles and bags have long been identified as the most abundant culprits of oceanic plastic. However, our research shows that microfibres can make up over 85 per cent of debris on shorelines,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s really providing information to tackle clothing fibre pollution. Our whole emphasis is about giving information to the consumer.’’

Finder’s Consumer Sentiment tracker, which has surveyed over 7000 people, has found most Australians have taken action to reduce their carbon footprint. Two-thirds of respondents said they had reduced their use of plastic.

Finder sustainability expert Ben King said that while many Aussies had good intentions, they’re yet to connect the dots between plastic and their washing machines. – Nine