Memphis – October 29, 2026 -- Wearing a polyester T-shirt increased microplastic exposure in the personal breathing zone by up to 42% compared with a cotton one, according to preliminary results from a University of Memphis pilot study.
Polyester wearers breathed in nearly 2,000 particles per cubic meter
Researchers measured airborne microplastic concentrations near participants' breathing zones while they wore either cotton or polyester-containing T-shirts. With polyester, readings reached nearly 2,000 microplastic particles per cubic meter.
Up to 77% of the detected particles were microscopic. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polymer commonly used in polyester clothing, turned up in 99% of the airborne microplastics the team identified.
Ten participants wore the shirts during active daytime hours
The study involved 10 participants wearing 100% cotton T-shirts and polyester-containing T-shirts. The team also took 12-hour baseline air measurements in participants' bedrooms. Using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-FTIR), they characterized the detectable particles by size and chemical composition, including polymer type.
Chunrong Jia, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Memphis, said synthetic garments are a contributing source of particles in a person's immediate breathing zone. Airborne microplastics exist in indoor environments generally, he noted, but "fabric choice can affect how many microplastic particles a person is exposed to."
Researchers call the findings preliminary and want larger studies
The team cautions that sampling variability, measurement uncertainties and other sources of airborne microplastics may influence the results. Confirming the observations will require larger participant groups, different clothing materials and repeated measurements. The researchers say further investigation is needed before anyone draws broader conclusions or makes recommendations about specific fabrics.
Dr. Farhad Jazaei, Associate Professor at the University of Memphis, said the long-term health and environmental impacts of microplastics are not yet fully understood. He added that raising awareness among younger generations is especially important, because they can help shape future research priorities, regulations and industry practices.
The cotton industry's foundation funded the study
The research received funding from the National Cotton Council's Cotton Foundation. The university team says it conducted the study design, data collection, analysis and interpretation independently.
The National Cotton Council, whose Plant Not Plastic campaign promotes natural fibers, has released a downloadable fact sheet, a detailed research summary and consumer guidance tools. Marjory Walker, the council's Vice President of Operations and the campaign's director, said the findings help consumers understand how fabric choice may influence personal exposure.
Dr. Jennifer Mandel, director of ACRE, said the project, which spans public health, engineering and agriculture, reflects the interdisciplinary collaboration ACRE was created to support.