54/100

Plastics

Polyester Clothing

Moderate burden — Polyester Clothing adds a moderate, reducible exposure.

Synthetic fabrics that shed microfibres.

The breakdown

Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)

Chemical hazard
3
Everyday exposure
5
Persistence
6

Evidence strength: moderate · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.

What this means for you

A Detox Score of 54 places polyester clothing in the Moderate band. The persistence rating is the standout concern here — these compounds linger in the body and environment for years. Synthetic clothing sheds plastic microfibres in the wash and through wear, adding to microplastic exposure. Natural fibres and a filter bag cut the shedding.

Cleaner swap → Natural fibres — cotton, wool, linen; a microfibre laundry bag.
See where your whole exposure load is highest — free Exposure Score →

Frequently asked questions

Is polyester clothing a toxic exposure?

Polyester Clothing has a Detox Score of 54 out of 100 (Moderate burden), which means it adds a moderate, reducible exposure. Synthetic clothing sheds plastic microfibres in the wash and through wear, adding to microplastic exposure. Natural fibres and a filter bag cut the shedding.

What is a safer alternative to polyester clothing?

A lower-exposure swap for polyester clothing is: Natural fibres — cotton, wool, linen; a microfibre laundry bag. Synthetic clothing sheds plastic microfibres in the wash and through wear, adding to microplastic exposure. Natural fibres and a filter bag cut the shedding.

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