Household dryers are quickly becoming known as major sources of microfiber pollution, thanks to a groundbreaking recent study. The study sheds light on the climate effect of common household appliances that most people rarely think about. In fact, there are over 82 million electric dryers in use in the U.S. today. Their role in the release of microfibers into the environment is facing increasing criticism.
The research shows that these ubiquitous appliances are responsible for releasing an estimated 3,543 metric tons of microfibers each year nationwide. This amount is made up of 2,728 metric tons from organic, natural fabrics and 460 metric tons from synthetic fibers. In a world where synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and spandex are flooding the textile industry… Unfortunately, mostly by 2023 they’re responsible for over half of global fabric production, creating massive pollution problems.
Additionally, the study highlights that despite the common belief that natural fibers are less harmful, they can lead to pollution. Even with natural fabrics, they are often treated with dyes, flame retardants, and formaldehyde. This process, coupled with the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), renders these materials more eco-unfriendly than they appear.
Understanding Microfiber Emissions
The study conducted by researchers at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) involved six volunteers who installed mesh covers over their dryer vents. During the course of three weeks, volunteers on Miami Beach monitored exactly what went into each dryer load. In the end, they counted a whopping 76 dryer loads. The findings confirmed that towels, pants, and sheets are among the most common and largest items dried in household dryers.
Monica Arienzo, Director of DRI’s Microplastics and Environmental Chemistry Lab and lead author of the research, stated:
“This study expands our understanding of how textiles are breaking down under typical household conditions.”
The findings indicate that the majority of residential dryers installed in the U.S. today are vented tumble dryers which expel hot air outside the home. Yet these dryers lack adequate filtration systems to trap microfibers beyond the first lint filter. It follows that a large quantity of microfibers find their way into the environment from dryer vent discharge.
The Environmental Impact
Microfiber pollution is one of the greatest dangers to ecosystems and marine life. Microplastics that are released have been shown to be detrimental to aquatic life and can contaminate the entirety of water bodies. Marilee Movius, Sustainable Recreation Manager for Keep Tahoe Blue, remarked on the implications of this research:
“This volunteer-fueled research adds to our knowledge of pollution sources, like dryer vents, which can impact the ecosystems we cherish and depend on.”
The exclusion of these pollution sources puts both our natural habitats and public health at risk, a point that this study’s findings highlight. The large amount of microfibers currently escaping from home laundry indicates an urgent environmental problem that must be addressed.
Solutions for Reducing Microfiber Emissions
The research calls for actionable solutions that will begin to reduce microfiber pollution from residential dryers. One actionable item is to install very efficient lint filters. These filters are capable of trapping over 90 percent of microfibers from washing machines before they can be released into the environment.
Moreover, it features air-drying clothes as the great microfiber-emission-reducing, energy-saving, effective alternative that it is. If more people adopted these easy behavioral practices, we would have a measurable impact in improving and protecting existing natural ecosystems, even famous ones like Lake Tahoe.
Marilee Movius further noted:
“It also shows us how small behavioral changes—such as installing more efficient lint filters or air-drying our clothes—can reduce microfiber emissions and protect the natural environment, Lake Tahoe, and ourselves.”