Dryers Release 3,500 Tons of Microplastics Annually, Study Reveals

URGENT UPDATE: A groundbreaking study from the Desert Research Institute (DRI) reveals that household dryers across the United States are releasing over 3,500 metric tons of microfibers and microplastics annually. This staggering amount is equivalent to 30 times the weight of the Statue of Liberty, highlighting an urgent environmental threat.

Conducted in collaboration with the League to Save Lake Tahoe, the research underscores the significant role dryers play in microfiber pollution, a topic that has been largely overlooked. Lead author Monica Arienzo, director of DRI’s microplastics and environmental chemistry lab, stated that the findings could reshape our understanding of how pollutants disseminate into the environment.

The study collected data from citizen scientists who monitored their dryer emissions during 2020. Arienzo noted that while washing machines have been previously identified as a source of microplastics, the heat and agitation of dryers also contribute significantly to the problem. “Every time you dry your clothes, hot air is vented, and your lint filter is the only barrier stopping those fibers from exiting the vent,” she warned.

Researchers recorded a total of 76 dryer loads, with 38 loads not using mesh filters, capturing vital data on microfiber emissions. The results showed that cotton was the predominant fiber collected, along with significant amounts of polyester and fleece—fabrics that contribute to plastic pollution when they break down.

The DRI’s collaboration with the League to Save Lake Tahoe has proven invaluable. “This study is really the first of its kind,” said Laura Patten, natural resources director of the League. “Monica and the DRI have been amazing partners, moving forward our understanding of how pollutants enter our ecosystems.”

To combat this pollution, Arienzo recommends regularly disposing of dryer lint in a sealed plastic bag and cleaning dryer vents. She also advocates for using more efficient lint filters and encourages air-drying clothes when possible. “Conscious consumption does make a difference,” said Marilee Movius, the league’s sustainable recreation manager.

Officials underscore that every household can contribute to reducing microfiber pollution. This research not only calls for individuals to reconsider the materials they purchase but also signals a potential shift in how companies approach textile production.

The DRI is poised for further studies, with plans to investigate the environmental effects of chemically treated fabrics, such as military uniforms, thanks to funding from the Department of Defense. As the field of microplastics research grows, so does the urgency for policy changes addressing these pollutants.

Next Steps: With the data collected, researchers aim to delve deeper into the impacts of dryer models, usage frequency, and drying cycles. Moving forward, the collaboration between DRI and the League to Save Lake Tahoe will continue, focusing on how citizen science can drive impactful environmental solutions.

Citizens are encouraged to join this initiative and help protect their local environments. For more information on how to volunteer, visit the League to Save Lake Tahoe’s website at keeptahoeblue.org.

For those interested in the detailed findings of this research, the complete study is available online at doi.org/10.1093/etojnl/vgaf222. Stay tuned for more updates as this critical research continues to unfold.