Since you are reading this article, we know that you care about your body and what goes into it. You care about toxins and unhealthy foods. You care about the water you drink and the air you breathe. You care about pesticides and herbicides in your food.
But, what about the chemicals you wear every day? Wear?
Yes, clothing and fabric manufacturers use many toxic chemicals in the production process. And those clothes are touching your skin all day. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it is permeable to an extent. If your skin is touching toxic fabric all day, should you be concerned? Yes, but with some prudent caution, you can minimize the risks.
Let’s take a deeper dive into chemicals used in clothing manufacturing.
PFAS and PFCS
Clothing that is stain or water-resistant is due to the use of chemicals called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) or PFCS (Perfluorocarbon). These compounds are resistant to breaking down and are called “forever chemicals.” Long-term exposure to these chemicals can result in many health issues. They have been linked to some cancers and infertility. While wearing clothing treated with PFAS or PFCS will typically mean a low level of exposure, be aware of them and avoid them if possible.
Chromium
When you buy leather goods, chances are they’ve been treated using chromium salts during the tanning process. Chromium can cause respiratory problems and rashes. Plus, it’s often not disposed of correctly, poisoning the environment.
Phthalates
Frequently used in activewear and sportswear, phthalates are known endocrine disrupters. They have been found to be linked to hormone disruption and are cancerous. Phthalates are often used in decorative printing in clothes, such as logos or accessories.
Pesticides
Conventional cotton (non-organic) is grown using many pesticides which linger in the finished cotton product. Pesticides are well-known toxins and have been linked to major health concerns in humans including respiratory problems and even cancer.
Look for brands that use organic cotton. Or you can opt for materials like linen or hemp, which require little to no pesticides to grow. These materials are also better for your body because they allow your skin to breathe naturally, unlike clothing made from synthetic fabrics like polyester which can lead to skin irritation.
AZO dyes
AZO dyes are commonly used because they are cost effective. However, they become carcinogenic when they break down. The EU has banned AZO dyes because of their toxicity, but they are used in clothing production in many other areas of the world. Since azo dyes are water-soluble, this makes them easy for your skin to absorb and may cause symptoms including skin and eye irritation.
Instead, opt for clothing that was plant-dyed or clothing that wasn’t dyed at all, often called “undyed”, “unbleached”, or “natural”.
Formaldehyde
Most clothing sold in the U.S. is shipped from other countries in shipping containers on container ships. The air over the ocean is high in humidity, which enables mold and mildew to grow. As a result, most shipping containers are treated with formaldehyde. In addition, formaldehyde provides clothing with wrinkle- and stain-resistant properties. This chemical is a carcinogen, and has been known to cause skin irritation, and even cause headaches or a sore throat.
Steps to minimize exposure to toxins
Wash your clothes before the first wear (or soak them overnight) to try to rid them of any toxic chemical finishes before they come in contact with your body.
Read the label. Look for organic and plant-dyed. Shop for clothing that was produced closer to home to avoid long stints in shipping containers.
Look for GOTS or Oeko-Tex certification on the label.
Demand that your favorite brands to be more transparent in what chemicals they use, and encourage them to implement chemical-reduction strategies.