Synthetic clothing could pose recovery risk to Covid patients, scientists warn

That trendy top you look so good in and the sheets you sleep on could pose a danger to your health, scientists are warning.

New studies suggest microplastic fibres shed from common synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester hamper the ability of the lungs to heal, which could cause difficulties for people recovering from Covid-19

New evidence suggests microplastics from synthetic clothing and fabrics could damage people's lungs and hamper their ability to heal damage caused by illnesses such as Covid-19.

The findings come from research carried out by UK and international scientists from Plymouth Marine Laboratory Groningen University, the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research.

Studies showed both nylon and polyester had a negative effect on the growth and repair of airway tissue.

The researchers say this means people who have breathed in microfibres shed from the synthetic fabrics could suffer greater difficulties recovering from coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses that damage the lungs.

The team is also warning of the potential health risks for those with developing lungs, such as children.

Professor Barbro Melgert, principal investigator for the study, said: “A virus damages the lungs so you need repair, and if your lungs are filled with fibres that are inhibiting this repair then you are in for another problem in addition to Covid-19.”

The researchers exposed airway and air sac organoids – miniature lung – to nylon and polyester microfibres across 14 days to determine their impact, using fibres small enough to be inhaled.

The resulting data suggested that microplastic textile fibre may be especially harmful developing airways or airways undergoing repair.

The experiments focused on polyester and nylon as they are the most abundant material in indoor settings, where humans spend the majority of their time.

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