Memphis, TN, October 29, 2026 – Preliminary findings from a pilot study conducted at the University of Memphis, suggest that clothing fabric type may be associated with differences in airborne microplastic concentrations in the personal breathing zone.
The study was conducted by University of Memphis researchers using established scientific protocols for sample collection and analysis. While the research received funding support from the National Cotton Council’s (NCC) Cotton Foundation, the study design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation were conducted independently by the research team.Key Findings:
The study was conducted by University of Memphis researchers using established scientific protocols for sample collection and analysis. While the research received funding support from the National Cotton Council’s (NCC) Cotton Foundation, the study design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation were conducted independently by the research team.Key Findings:
- Fabric Type and Airborne Microplastics: Preliminary measurements suggest wearing a polyester t-shirt increased microplastic exposure by up to 42% over a cotton t-shirt.
- Polyester Shedding & Inhalation Rate: The study evaluated airborne microplastic concentrations near participants’ breathing zones while they wore cotton or polyester-containing T-shirts. Preliminary observations showed nearly 2,000 microplastic particles per cubic meter when wearing a polyester t-shirt, highlighting a potential relationship between fabric type and personal exposure to airborne microplastics.
- Particle Size and Potential Inhalation Exposure: Preliminary findings suggested up to 77% of detected microplastic particles were microscopic, raising important questions about how everyday clothing choices may influence the microscopic particles present in the air we breathe.
- PET Dominance: The study identified polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polymer commonly used in polyester clothing, among 99% of the airborne microplastics detected. These observations highlight the importance of investigating clothing materials as potential contributors to airborne microplastic exposure.
- Study Limitations and Future Research: These findings are preliminary. As with any environmental study, sampling variability, measurement uncertainties, and other potential sources of airborne microplastics may influence the results. Further research involving larger participant groups, different clothing materials, and repeated measurements is needed to confirm these observations and better understand their broader implications.
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