Groundbreaking study finds 13.3 quadrillion plastic fibers in California’s environment

Exclusive: report reveals far more microfibers than there are stars in the Milky Way - and they can easily enter oceans and waterways

A study in California has laid bare the staggering scale of pollution from plastic microfibers in synthetic clothing - one of the most widespread, yet largely invisible, forms of plastic waste.

The report, whose findings were revealed exclusively by the Guardian, found that in 2019 an estimated 4,000 metric tons - or 13.3 quadrillion fibers - were released into California's natural environment. The plastic fibers, which are less than 5mm in length, are primarily shed when we wash our yoga pants, stretchy jeans and fleece jackets and can easily enter oceans and waterways.