Toxic Fabrics You Should Avoid If You Do Not Want to Affect Your Health

How do you choose what clothes to buy? Do you look at the interesting patterns, the soft feeling on your skin, the bright colors or the price? But did you know that there are 2,000 types of chemicals that are used to create various fabrics?

Many of these chemicals are very harmful to the human health. They are quickly absorbed through the skin, getting into the blood stream and causing toxic effects. Some of the negative effects include hormonal dysfunction, immune system problems, behavior problems, reproduction problems, skin problems, digestive system problems and even cancer.

Why are there so many toxins in the fabrics?

• Brand new chemicals

There are new chemicals that are being used, although there is not enough research to prove that they are safe. Such a chemical is nanosilver, which gets released when in water and it is soaked up by plants.

• Production

Toxins come from the chemicals used to piece together the fabric and fibers, to make the synthetic petroleum-based fibers or to give the fabric the qualities like being resistant to staining, fire, odor, wrinkling or water.

• Fabrics coming from other countries

Many companies consider that it is cheaper and easier if the products they sell are manufactured in other countries. That is why only 3% of the clothing that is sold in the US is made locally.

Fabrics you need to avoid

• Polyester

Polyester is made from toxic chemicals which can cause skin problems, cancer, respiratory problems or changes in behavior.

• Nylon

Nylon is petroleum-based and includes several chemicals such as sulfuric acid, caustic soda, terpineol, chloroform, limonene and pentene.

• Rayon

Rayon is created from regenerated cellulose and to make it able to be washed and long lasting a bunch of chemicals are added. Some of them can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle and chest pain or sleeplessness.

• Acrylic

Acrylic can cause breast cancer and it is so unstable that it can even cause an explosion while it is manufactured.

What fabrics you should wear

• Cupro

Cupro is considered by many a silk substitute. It is made of linter, the fabric that is stuck to the cotton seeds after cotton has been removed. It is soft, lightweight and hypoallergenic.

• Tencel

Also known as lyocell, tencel is hypoallergenic, absorbs sweat and releases it without causing odors. It is good for the body, it’s created from nature and is very soft.

• Cotton

Cotton is perfect for summer clothes, but not only. It is a natural fiber which can absorb sweat and allows air to pass through, keeping your body cool.

• Modal

The fabric is produced from European beech trees after it goes through an eco-friendly bleaching. It is strong and soft.

When it comes to clothes, you shouldn’t think that if they are made by a certain manufacturer they are also safe. Make sure your read the label and avoid any clothes made with chemicals.