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Occupational Risks of Microplastics in Textile Manufacturing: Health Impacts and Mitigation Strategies

Advances in Research 2025 2 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Josimar Araújo de Medeiros, Débora Kauanna Régis da Luz, Anésio Mendes de Sousa, Geraldo Barroso Cavalcanti, Dany Geraldo Kramer

Summary

This review examined occupational exposure to microplastics among workers in the textile manufacturing sector, where synthetic fibers are released during production, drying, and sewing processes. Researchers found that textile workers face elevated risks of inhaling polyester and polypropylene microfibers that can affect respiratory health. The study calls for improved workplace ventilation, protective equipment, and regulatory standards to reduce microplastic exposure in this industry.

Polymers
Body Systems

Background: In the textile sector, the atmospheric release of MPs during the manufacturing, drying and use of synthetic fabrics has also been observed, in addition to the sewing process, where small structural changes in the fabric network favor the release of polyester and polypropylene fibrils In this context, the present study aimed to discuss, through a literature review, occupational exposure to MPs in the textile manufacturing sector. Methodology: This study was characterized as a descriptive bibliographic review, focusing on the search for theoretical references in scientific journals, theses and dissertations. Results and Conclusions: To reduce employee exposure, it is important to properly use personal protective equipment, including face masks, which reduce exposure to microfibers in the oral and nasal mucosa, reducing the possibility of ingestion and inhalation of these. Furthermore, an adequate ventilation and exhaust system makes it possible to remove suspended particles from the work atmosphere, and must be combined with filters to prevent release into the factory's external environment.ential, as they mitigate the exposure of the upper respiratory tract and mouth to microplastics released into the environment.

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