Medical opinion on the dangers of synthetic clothing. Cons of synthetic clothing - how can synthetic clothing or underwear harm? What you need to know about synthetics and natural fabrics
International independent Greenpeace organization regularly tests the compliance of clothing of international brands with environmental standards. And the test results are disappointing! Both expensive and budget brands use dangerous compounds in the manufacture of wardrobe items that can cause significant harm to human health.
One of the checks, during which more than 80 different brands of clothing were tested, showed the presence of softeners, polyfluorinated compounds, neonol and other hazardous substances. Some are known to be carcinogenic, others are suspected of having hormone-like effects on the body, and still others can undermine the health of the immune and reproductive systems.
The saddest thing is that children's clothes were just as dirty as their adult counterparts. But the skin of a child is several times thinner than the skin of an adult, which is why it is more permeable!
When choosing wardrobe items, the division into two types is no longer relevant - natural - which means safe and synthetic - harmful. The simplified classification is too far from the realities of our time.
From the school bench, we remember the main thing: in synthetics, the skin does not breathe, which means that such clothes are less preferable. But in fact, it turns out that not everything is so simple! For example, membrane fabrics that are used to make sportswear absorb moisture better than natural cotton or linen, and at the same time are more wear-resistant and quick-drying.
There is a separate group of materials that cannot be fully attributed to synthetics or natural texture. An example is bamboo fiber. Although it is made on the basis of natural raw materials, the output is very tough. Therefore, manufacturers process it with special softeners, as a result, such material is unsafe. It differs little from the "artificial" counterparts.
But if someone thinks that he is insured when buying clothes made of linen, cotton, wool and silk, unpleasant news awaits him. During the production process, such fabrics are also exposed to chemical attack, which can lead to sad consequences. And this is not to mention the process of growing raw materials!
According to World Health Organization more than 20,000 textile workers die each year due to poisoning from pesticides used in cotton cultivation. Cotton occupies 2.5% of the world's cultivated land, but at the same time uses about 16% of the world's pesticide turnover!
Acrylic threads are loved by knitters. They imitate woolen fabric, but are unlike natural threads. But they have a feature that fundamentally distinguishes them from wool - acrylic practically does not let air through. This means that in such a sweater you will be warm, which, of course, is a plus, but you will sweat a lot - and this is already a minus. However, if you have sensitive skin, moisture accumulated under clothing can cause irritation and even a rash.
Polyester
The main claim to this texture is that the skin does not breathe in it, which is associated with the risk of allergic reactions. But they also show her that oil products are used in the manufacturing process. When interacting with human skin, as well as chemicals that process tissue to improve quality characteristics, toxic substances can be released that poison the body.
Polyamide
Due to its high elasticity and strength, as well as the ability to retain its original shape for a long time, polyamide can often be found on the label of hosiery. Among its main disadvantages is poor thermoregulation - such things practically do not keep heat and do not absorb moisture. But they create an ideal environment for the reproduction of bacteria and microbes, which is fraught with the occurrence of infection.
Another disadvantage is that the texture is highly electrified. And in conclusion - instantly absorbs bad smell.
Expert comment
There are over 8,000 chemicals used in the textile industry and it's crazy. We are so concerned about the chemicals that enter our body through food, and do not consider those that enter through the skin. But the skin is the largest organ, it absorbs everything it comes into contact with!
Chemicals used in clothing can cause rashes, asthma, fatigue, headaches, blurred vision and other dangerous effects!
The most dangerous from the point of view of health components of both natural and artificial tissues, according to experts in environmental Greenpeace organizations are the following:
- perfluorinated organic compounds. They repel water and dirt, so they are often used in the manufacture of waterproof shoes and jackets. Their use has been associated with reproductive problems, reduced fertility, and prostate cancer.
- Phthalates. They are easiest to find in vinyl clothing. Some studies show that they are fraught with disorders of the human hormonal system.
- Triclosan. A frequent component of sportswear, as it has high antibacterial properties. Associated with the risk of violations hormonal background person.
- Dimethylformamide. Specialists Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The US believes that it is easily absorbed through the skin and can cause liver damage.
- Silver nanoparticles. Used in clothing in such high concentrations that it has a disruptive effect on the endocrine system and can even cause DNA damage.
How to recognize poisonous clothes?
Unfortunately, not all clothes that enter the Russian market are certified. We can only guess about the true composition of wardrobe items. But there are separate wordings from manufacturers that indirectly indicate the use of hazardous chemical compounds.
Notes should alert you: antibacterial - antibacterial, antimicrobial - antimicrobial, moisture wicking - moisture wicking, stain proof - resistant to pollution, pflegeleicht - does not require ironing, no need iron - easy care.
Synthetic fabrics, in particular nylon and polyester, appeared on the market relatively recently - in the middle of the last century. However, after a while it became clear that synthetic clothing has many disadvantages: it does not allow the skin to breathe, stimulates sweating, and even irritates the skin of people with hypersensitivity. Since then, manufacturers have learned how to create truly high-quality synthetic fibers and mix them with natural fabrics, but many people still believe that synthetics bad for health. "Sofa experts" claim that things made of polyester can cause allergies and dermatitis, and even lead to insomnia and reduced immunity. But do not rush to believe every word of opponents of synthetics. So, we tell you what effect clothing made from non-natural fabrics has on the body.
Synthetics and skin diseases
By itself, synthetic fabric cannot cause skin diseases. And an allergy to clothes can occur due to the fact that the skin is constantly in contact with the substances that were used in its production, and they can be not only synthetic, but also natural. Allergy sufferers often suffer from resins, dyes, glues, chemical additives and tannins that make up the fabric.
However, synthetics - just like wool - can exacerbate condition with eczema and dermatitis. This means that if there is already irritation on the skin, synthetics will not benefit it. And the point here is no longer in potentially hazardous substances, but in the coarse structure of polyester, acrylic and viscose fibers.
Synthetics and underwear
The American College of Dermatology lists synthetic underwear as one of the causes of thrush. However, there is currently no scientific evidence for such a link. In turn, experts from the American Association of Proctologists do not recommend wearing synthetic underwear in order to avoid anal itching. But both of them indicate that it is not the synthetic fabrics themselves that cause discomfort. Just close-fitting to the body, briefs create a warm and humid environment ideal for bacteria on the skin. Therefore, it is better to choose underwear made from natural fabrics - this is true.
Synthetics and cold
No matter how much they talk about the dangers of synthetics, in some situations it is simply irreplaceable. For example, in cold weather. The fact is that to protect yourself from hypothermia, you need to put on several light layers of clothing. However, the first of these should be precisely synthetic thermal underwear. If cotton comes first and the person sweats, the fabric will absorb moisture but allow the body to lose heat. But synthetic fibers will not allow critical heat loss.
Synthetics and sweating
People with excessive sweating are often advised to ditch synthetic clothing. However, this is not entirely true. In this case, two aspects play a role: how quickly the fabric absorbs moisture, and how quickly it removes it from the surface of the skin. A cotton T-shirt will really absorb all the sweat, but it will dry for a long time. But synthetic will quickly remove excess fluid from the skin. Therefore, in fact, for those who sweat a lot, you need to combine natural fabrics with synthetics, the main thing is that the quality of the clothes is on top.
Synthetics and ecology
Both synthetic and natural fabrics harm the environment to some extent. For example, the production of cotton requires the use of a huge amount of pesticides, and there is nothing to say about the manufacture of products from natural leather.
Well and main danger synthetics in that it can decompose for centuries, releasing harmful substances into the atmosphere.
Earlier we talked about whether palm oil is really.
Based on the materials of the Zen-channel "Just ask".
Shopping for clothes for myself and the kids is getting more and more baffling to me. From early childhood, we tried to dress children in natural fabrics and rejoiced at wonderful little things made of cotton, linen, and silk. But children grow up and life has sharply put before us, parents, the question of school uniforms. As experts advise, the amount of synthetic fibers in it should not exceed 55 % . But to me, as a mother, and 50 % seems like a lot, because I know that children at school have to move quickly and during the heating season the room is hot. And synthetics, as you know, cool in the cold, and do not let air through in the heat. I don't want to talk about problems here for a long time. school uniform, not about that, I can only say that the vast majority of manufacturers sew it in violation of hygiene standards, and if you want to buy a uniform made of natural fabrics, then prepare a tidy sum.
So for kids over 10 years old, and for themselves too, finding a thing made of natural fabrics is becoming more and more difficult. It can be argued with me that synthetic fabrics have firmly established themselves on the shelves of our stores, because. manufacturers strive to meet the requirements of practicality and fashion in every possible way. Indeed, you say, these things do not wrinkle, are easily washed, are much cheaper and cost less. appearance they can compete with natural fabrics: in colors, textures, and even imitating the same wool or cotton. But few people think about how these visual and tactile effects are achieved. In the textile industry, there are 8000 chemicals, capable of making sure that the fabrics do not wrinkle, do not wear out, do not shrink and wash well.
Even natural fabrics are often not found in their pure form. Now it's no secret to anyone that the same wool can be obtained from a sheep not only by shearing, but also with the help of a chemical: poured over and all the wool crumbled. The same with cotton: sprayed, and all the cotton bolls fell. Very comfortably. What can I say, the chemical industry has penetrated far into all spheres of people's lives. We just didn't get any healthier. Synthetic fabrics accumulate static electricity and thus attract dust. Fat secretions of the skin are well absorbed by them, which leads to frequent washing. Poor absorption of moisture, not passing air leads to a violation of heat transfer and skin diseases. Allergic reactions, acne, fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure and palpitations may develop.
Synthetic underwear is especially harmful. It creates a greenhouse effect in the perineal area in women, as a result of which pathogenic bacteria begin to multiply rapidly. An interesting historical fact. For the first time, Marie de Medici ordered to sew underwear (panties) for ladies. Pantaloons were made for her of stiff brocade fabric, and she suffered from candidiasis for the rest of her life. Modern synthetic fabrics for linen are diverse, only among them doctors advise choosing microfiber and viscose, as the closest in properties to natural ones.
The death of a wonderful Soviet actress, Elena Mayorova, who tragically died at the age of 39, made a strong impression on me. The synthetic dress that caught fire on her melted and stuck to her body. The actress died from her burns. For the same reason, the military cannot wear clothes and underwear made of synthetics: in the event of a fire, they cannot be removed, they increase the area of the burn and leave ugly wounds.
And I would also like to add that poor-quality clothing can bring considerable harm to health. Very cheap price, "eastern" manufacturer (China, Taiwan, New Zealand), bright colors - all this is a reason to think. Such clothes contain a dangerous substance - formaldehyde, which, being absorbed through the skin, has a toxic effect on the body (cough, suffocation, allergies, irritation of the mucous membranes) and negatively affects the nervous system (anxiety, disturbed sleep). The use of harmful dyes (aromatic aniline) by these manufacturers can lead to the development of cancerous diseases (cancer Bladder and urethra).
Each person chooses what to wear. But is health enough?
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In recent years, scientists around the world are increasingly raising the issue of the negative impact of synthetic materials on human health. It is impossible to ignore such statements of scientists, because it has been proven that the presence of synthetic thread in clothes, bed linen, etc. disturbs the body's natural heat transfer.
Synthetic fabrics have low hygroscopicity, due to which the moisture that is released from human skin, poorly absorbed into the fibers, clogs air pores, impedes air circulation, and reduces the thermal insulation properties of the fabric.
Synthetics are characterized by long retention unpleasant odors, is washed off worse. Such fabrics are electrostatic. Volatile components of chemical fibers, including toxic ones, can be released for several months when ironing clothes.
Allergy sufferers, skin diseases, eczema or psoriasis are contraindicated in synthetic fabrics. And poor quality material can cause dermatitis even in healthy person. Synthetic fabrics have been proven to be a serious hazard to human health. Scientific studies have revealed that synthetic bedding contains a high concentration of fungal microorganisms. For asthmatics and allergy sufferers, such underwear is especially dangerous. Also, in synthetic pillows, the concentration of fungus and mold is 2-3 times higher than in feather pillows. In addition, in mattresses that have served for more than 5 years, the level of these organisms exceeds the permissible norm by 3 times.
Substances that make up synthetic fabric can cause irritation, redness, itching, and even an asthmatic attack. Most researchers consider the most dangerous and little-studied factor in the harm of synthetics to humans is static electricity penetrating synthetic fabrics. The basis of the negative effect of static electricity of synthetic tissues on the human body is the neuroreflex mechanism. The action of static electricity is expressed in direct irritation of the sensitive nerve endings of the skin, or irritation occurs a second time, due to the polarization of cellular elements and changes in ionic ratios in tissues. Irritation of sensitive nerve endings causes a reaction of the whole organism: skin sensitivity changes, capillary blood flow is stimulated, vascular tone changes, a number of systemic changes are observed, including changes in the central nervous system. People exposed to static electricity for a long time complain of increased fatigue, irritability, bad dream etc. Objectively, there is a tendency to arterial hypertension, bradycardia, which indicates spasm and dystonia of blood vessels. In addition, synthetic fabric does not allow the body to breathe: in the process of movement, the body heats up, normal heat transfer is disrupted, and sweating increases. Such clothing does not allow moisture to pass through - it is waterproof: the sweat that is released by the body does not evaporate from the fabric of the clothing, but lingers between the body and clothing. There is an effect of a steam bath, only while doing soaring in one's own sweat, alkalis, fats and acids that are released along with it.
Of course, underwear made from synthetic fabrics or from fabrics with the addition of synthetic fibers has its advantages: it does not wrinkle, it is easy to wash, plus the low cost of products. However, it is necessary to take into account its shortcomings, namely: synthetic fabric does not breathe and can cause allergies, against the backdrop of a general enthusiasm for the environment, this is especially important.
Cheap clothes are often made from fabrics that can damage the body. Natural fabrics - linen, cotton, silk and wool - are not only pleasant for the body, but also have medicinal properties.
There is no shortage of trendy clothes today. Many companies produce things that meet the latest fashion trends and at the same time are cheap. You can afford to be, as they say, "in trend" every season - but have you ever wondered at what cost? I think no.
Why are these clothes so cheap? Not least because it is made from synthetic fabrics. And, as you know, the assimilation of harmful substances occurs not only with food or through the lungs, but also through the skin too. In three out of four cases, the cause of a cancerous tumor is the influence of harmful substances. So is it worth it to buy cheap synthetic things that adversely affect your body?
The penetration of harmful substances into the body is only the first minus of synthetics. As a rule, synthetic things look worse than their counterparts made from natural fabrics. The skin in them "does not breathe" - you sweat, synthetics are saturated with your sweat and emit an unpleasant odor (which, by the way, is noticeable not only to you, but also to others). Synthetics do not warm well - and, sweating in such a thing, you can easily catch a cold. Synthetics accumulate static electricity - have you noticed that when you take off a synthetic sweater, you crack like high-voltage wires?
Consider beneficial features natural fabrics - and, perhaps, in the next shopping you will opt for clothes made from natural fabrics.
Linen
Linen is durable, well tolerated by temperature changes and washing. It absorbs moisture well - however, it does not stick to the body, and at the same time, unlike cotton, it dries quickly. Flax provides good skin ventilation, promotes intensive blood circulation, and reduces body fatigue. Linen is antistatic, reflects the sun's rays well and delays ultraviolet light.
Flax has high bactericidal properties, it suppresses harmful microflora, relieves itching, burning and other inflammation. Clothes and bed linen made of linen can be recommended for people with problematic and sensitive skin suffering from dermatological diseases, allergy sufferers and asthmatics.
Flax attenuates gamma radiation (from a computer, TV, radio) by almost half and reduces the level of radiation by several times.
The touch of linen fabric to the human body increases the content of immunoglobulin A in the blood, which restores the immune system.
Linen is the only plant material used for internal sutures in surgery: human body takes it, and the flax dissolves over time.
Silk
Silk is very pleasant to the touch, smooth and delicate, regulates well temperature regime well breathable. Silk is 97% proteins, 3% fats and waxes, it contains 18 amino acids that have a beneficial effect on our metabolism. Silk is recommended for people suffering from skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and others. Silk is also recommended for those who suffer from allergies - it is hypoallergenic. The composition of silk includes the protein siricin - thanks to this, dust mites never start in silk.
Silk also helps with joint pain, rheumatism and arthritis. Natural silk contributes to the healing and rejuvenation of the skin - this is facilitated by the fibrion protein contained in silk, which can retain 7 times more moisture than other moisturizing ingredients. Silk is hygroscopic - it is recommended for people suffering from excessive sweating.
Cotton
Cotton is pleasant to the touch, allows the skin to breathe, and passes air well. It does not electrify, it absorbs moisture well, it is quite durable. - natural fiber, pleasant to the touch and well breathable. Inelastic without the addition of other materials, strongly wrinkled and shrinks when washed. Cotton warms better than linen. It is stronger than wool, but less durable than silk or linen.
Wool
Wool is a warm, strong and durable fiber.
Wool generally refers to sheep's hair material.Wool perfectly retains heat, allowing the skin to breathe. It is soft and pleasant to the touch, does not wrinkle when folded.
Wool also has healing properties. Wool bandages help with sciatica and back pain. With diseases of the kidneys and liver, clothes made of wool will also help.
