The doctor warned about the ingress of microplastics from clothes into the body

Microplastics from synthetic clothing can enter the human body through air, food and water. Olga Ulankina, an expert doctor at the Hemotest laboratory, told Izvestia about this on April 15.

According to the expert, microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, which are formed when synthetic materials are destroyed. The most common way they enter the body is through the respiratory tract, but the particles can also settle on foods and enter the body with food and water.

"Fleece sweatshirts are considered to be one of the main sources of microplastics. Fleece is a synthetic material, most often made of polyester. When worn and especially when washing, its fibers gradually break down and separate in the form of microscopic particles. These particles get into the air and water," she said.

The expert added that the sources of microplastics are not only fleece, but also other synthetic fabrics — polyester, nylon, acrylic and elastane. Such materials are widely used in casual and sportswear, as well as in home textiles.

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She emphasized that microfibers are especially actively released during friction — during socks and washing. According to the doctor, it is impossible to completely eliminate contact with microplastics, but its impact can be reduced.

"Microplastics can provoke inflammatory reactions, damage cells and affect the immune system. At the same time, an unambiguous connection with the development of specific diseases in humans has not yet been established — this issue continues to be studied," Ulankina explained.

The specialist recommended washing synthetic clothes less often, using delicate modes and special filters, and giving preference to clothes made of natural fabrics whenever possible.

A dermatologist, cosmetologist, and co-owner of a network of clinics, Dr. Zarema Omarova, said on February 27 that low-quality jewelry can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations, especially if it contains alloys such as nickel, cobalt, or chromium. According to the expert, allergic reactions are most often caused not by "pure" metals, but by alloys that are used in the manufacture of jewelry to increase strength and reduce cost.

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