The United Nations Environment Program reports that approximately 9% of all microplastic pollution infecting our oceans can be attributed to clothing. Today, many articles of clothing are synthetic, fashioned from plastic-based materials, such as polyester, rayon, nylon, and acrylic. When these pieces of clothing are washed, they release microfibers, or tiny plastic pieces less than five millimeters in size.
 
These microplastics can present many dangers to both wildlife and humans. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration links the consumption of microplastics to developmental delays, reproductive problems, and weakened immune systems in animals. Microplastics have also been linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
 
Research suggests that washing machines installed with microfiber filters can capture as much as 87% of shed microfibers. Following a similar proposal introduced by the Illinois General Assembly, we will introduce legislation requiring all new washing machines sold in Pennsylvania to be equipped with a microfiber filtration system, beginning in 2030. The addition of these microfiber filters will have an immediate impact on reducing the quantity of microplastics littering our waterways.  
 
Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation to protect human health and our environment from the harmful effects of microplastic pollution.