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Textile Content: Toxic poison for your skin and planet.
In last couple decades, since discovery of synthetic fibers, we have seen the fashion world flooded with inexpensive garments made out of polyester. It has become so popular and commonplace that even haute couture has included synthetics in their lines.
Humans are super inventive, so we have turn crude oil bi-products like polyester into a variety of fast fashion blockbusters. From mimicking wool “bistor” in 1970, to silk-like chiffons, georgettes and satins that we use for tops, bottoms, suits, dresses, and even lingerie.
We love our cozy microfiber so much that even pajamas, robes and bedding are made from it. Scuba fibers were popularized by Kardashian body conscious silhouettes. We love our poly knits that sportswear is based on it. How is it possible that none of it seems to be concerned with the reality of wearing actual plastic?
It’s no wonder people suffer from skin irritations, eczemas, fungus, or worse.
I want us to look at what the science of synthetics textiles really is. This includes the following:
· Polyester: Synthetic polyester is made using a chemical reaction involving coal, petroleum
, air, and water. This material is made up of purified terephthalic acid (PTS) or its dimethyl ester dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and monotheluene glycol (MEG). It holds 10% of the market share for all plastic materials, coming third in terms of popularity after polyethylene (33.5%) and polypropylene (19.5%).* point 3
· Acrylic:
Fabrics have dimethylformamide in them, which the CDC says, after interacting directly with skin “can cause liver damage and other adverse health effects.” These effects have caused the people who manufacture acrylic fabrics to have to wear protective clothing just to touch the clothing they’re making.” * point 1. Huffpost.
· Nylon: “Nylons are a family of materials called polyamides, made from reacting carbon-based chemicals found in coal and petroleum in a high-pressure, heated environment. *point 4
· Elastin:
“Polyolefin elastomers (POE): polyisobutylene (PIB), ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber (EPDM rubber)” *point 5
Truth behind fabric dyes and treatments:
The dilemma we have right now is that of cheap fast fashion versus timeless, nonpoisonous and sustainable garments in natural fibers. Most of our modern society wants more, and faster then ever, as social media churns with those daily selfies featuring $20 skirts, tops, and dresses… nothing better right? But it seems only our wallets are happy with those choices, given you don’t purchase in bulk.
Do you realize the actual cost? Let’s map it out:
If you pay $20, that means the brand takes $12, which leaves $8 to pay designers, other office staff, cost of materials (fabrics, zippers, thread, buttons), and overseas crew (patternmakers, sewers, finishers). On top of that, you have to factor in the shipping and other logistics, warehousing, salespeople, shops rent etc. One cuts corners to make more profit, and win the price wars with competitors.
And if you are ever aware of fashion malpractice, you may not be aware of additional risks you take with your own health.
Quote from Huffpost below:
“(…)And what is this stuff we love actually made of?
Turns out, some really gross stuff. Now, you may be thinking: “So what? My clothes are made of weird chemicals. (…)
Chemicals can permeate your skin, which is constantly eliminating and absorbing ― all day, every day. So, things that go on your skin can also go in your body. If you are wearing clothing coated in toxic chemicals, it’s possible that you’re absorbing a small amount of these chemicals through your skin and your body must process and eliminate them.
While it’s hard to find conclusive evidence that links toxins in clothing directly to health problems, the studies that do exist are disquieting: some of the chemicals in garments we wear daily have been found to cause cancer in rats, they can cause cancer for the workers who work with them all day and can be damaging in higher concentrations. In the short term, these chemicals can cause allergic reactions and irritation.” *1 see below
I have a feeling that we are only seeing the tip of the fashion waste iceberg here. Like we’ve seen for decades, the wealthy will protect their cash cows at all cost. While it’s true that not all of us will be severely affected, at least not right away, let’s not forget that once-popular asbestos was causing cancers after 20 years of daily exposure.
How are you going to adjust your choices and maintain your health with what you wear? People prone to fungal issues are advised by doctors to wear natural fibers that allow skin to breathe and stay dry. Those of us who have these sensitivities don’t even know why we suffer. I found out the hard way, when man-made soles were leaving my feet with second degree burns. Polyester and leather give me excruciating headaches and skin irritations. After I turned 40 I started breaking out in hives while wearing certain fabrics. And once, while working with scuba fabrics, I was hospitalized for toxic poisoning after 12 consecutive hours of contact with the chemicals in them.
It’s important to note that United States FDA standards are generally lower than those in Europe. Testing is expensive and corporations do the bare minimum ONLY to avoid law suits.
HuffPost continues:
“While that doesn’t mean your favorite shirt is giving you cancer, it’s enough to make us wonder why all of our clothing is full of these substances to begin with. Take formaldehyde for example, which is often found on items that claim to be crease resistant. According to a report from the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme, formaldehyde in clothing leads to eye and nose irritation and allergic reactions on skin.
And the thousands of chemicals that are present in our clothes didn’t just end up there now. They’ve been there for years.
In a 2012 report by Greenpeace entitled “Toxic Threads: The Big Fashion Stitch-Up,” it was confirmed that major brands ― like Zara, Levi’s, Mango, Calvin Klein and H&M ― were making and selling clothes containing hazardous chemicals.
So, what are these toxins exactly and what fabrics are they in? Let’s break down what they are and how they could affect you.
Azo dyes are very common synthetic dyes used for coloring clothes, leather and textiles. They also release amines ― a compound derived from ammonia ― that increased the risk of bladder cancer among German dye factory workers who had regular exposure to it. Instead look for products made with natural dyes.
Phthalates are found in a lot of fast fashion, specifically DEHP and DINP, and sometimes BBP (you aren’t likely to see any of them listed on a label, so you don’t even need to remember these acronyms). They’re found in things like plastic raincoats, artificial leather and waterproof clothing. Phthalates are endocrine disrupters and have been linked to adverse reproductive effects in male rodents. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has not determined whether phthalates are carcinogenic to humans.
Nanosilver is used as an antimicrobial agent to inhibit odor-causing bacteria in clothing. Early research with lab rats has found that silver nanoparticles can get into the brain and kill brain cells over time. The risk assessment for babies chewing on fabrics with nanosilver could possibly result in harmful exposures, but it hasn’t been thoroughly tested to glean whether that’s true of all cases or what those harmful exposures would be.
Anything that touts itself as static resistant, stain resistant, flame retardant, or wrinkle-free is often treated with formaldehyde, perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) like Teflon, nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) and nonylphenols (NPs), or triclosan, according to The IFD Council, the world’s leading modest fashion and design council representing the Islamic economy. NPEs and NPs are absorbable through the skin and have been shown to be associated with reproductive and developmental effects in rodents, though studies in humans are inconclusive. Studies on factory workers who are exposed to triclosan suggest that regular exposure may contribute to increased cancer risk. Though, the Mayo Clinic says evidence is not strong enough to recommend avoiding this product.” * 1 Huffpost
All the convenience that comes with owning synthetics is just not worth it in the long run. There are ways to avoid buying them. If and when you can, check content tags. They are usually located inside the clothing, at wearer’s left side seam, almost hidden but required by law for consumer safety. I personally love BALANCE, so I do have a couple of synthetic pieces in my wardrobe, but wear them only occasionally and for a short period of time. I love natural fibers, but even those may be treated by various toxins, especially acids SO WATCH OUT and check your denim care tags!
Just remember the impact that synthetics have on the environment.
“As much as 35% of microplastics in the marine environment are fibers from synthetic clothing, an amount that continues to increase. By contrast, science has shown wool readily biodegrades in both land and marine environments, offering a less impactful solution and not contributing to microplastic pollution.” * point 6
“Synthetic fabrics like polyester and lycra can take hundreds of years to biodegrade.” *point 7
They are effectively the equivalents of plastic straws in the ocean, and I’ll leave it at that.
WORKS SITED:
1. Huffpost. “Why You Should Watch Out For These 5 Gnarly Chemicals In Your Clothing You’ll want to check your tags a little more carefully” by Jenna Amatulli 09/13/2016/updated 10/28/2016
2. Wikipedia
3. https://www.craftechind.com/how-is-polyester-made/
4. https://goodonyou.eco/material-guide-nylon/
5. Wikipedia
6. https://www.woolmark.com/environment/wool-and-microplastics/
7. https://www.news24.com/w24/Style/Fashion/Trends/fashion-waste-this-is-how-long-it-takes-your-clothes-to-decompose-20180118 -
I always check fibcer content before purchase:
Lack of transparency, as seen below for well known Yoga wear brand, which calls themselves “sustainable and eco” is absurd!!!! Even if their practices are within US LAW, does not make it right……..
Where is a actual fiber content?????”Sculpting signature Airbrush fabric” – really????? is it polyester, nylon, acrylic or other toxic fiber??? What are you hiding???? I am sure in case of organic cotton or other natural fiber would be listed in bold letters…. This looks fishy to me!!!!! so please enlighten me…..
Whatever you choose and implement instantly or one step at the time, be aware of the consequences.
I encourage you to take care of yourself and your footprint legacy, please.♥
LANDSCAPE OF FAST & TREND DRIVEN FASHION WASTELAND
If you want to use the photo it would also be good to check with the artist beforehand in case it is subject to copyright. Best wishes. Aaren Reggis Sela
did I used your photo?
My apologies. I have no idea how to check with artist. I would love to learn.
Please advise
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