Are Your Clothes Making You Sick?

Many individuals suffer from vague, irregular symptoms such as nausea, headaches, rashes, hives or burning skin. The symptoms seem to come and go without a regular pattern, which leaves people to wonder what is going on. A basic factor for highly...

July 12, 2013 | Source: Natural News | by Elisha McFarland

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Many individuals suffer from vague, irregular symptoms such as nausea, headaches, rashes, hives or burning skin. The symptoms seem to come and go without a regular pattern, which leaves people to wonder what is going on. A basic factor for highly sensitive people may be that they are reacting to the clothes they are wearing. If you’re wearing synthetic clothes, they may be contributing to your skin problems as well as your overall level of toxicity. Finding “safe” clothing can be a big issue for people with MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) and others who are who are sensitive.

So the question is, have you considered that your clothes may be making you sick? You may, after learning more about synthetic fabric.

Consider these facts

Synthetic materials such as acrylic, nylon, and polyester are made from chemicals such as thermoplastic, which outgas plastic molecules whenever they are heated. When you dry synthetic clothes in a clothes dryer you are outgassing these chemicals into your home and the environment. If you wear synthetic clothes, your body heat also releases these chemicals into the air and the chemicals are absorbed by your skin. When you wear wrinkle free clothes you’re breathing in plastic and formaldehyde.

Perfluorochemicals (PFCs), including the nonstick additive Teflon, are increasingly being added to synthetic fabrics for durability, stain resistance, and wrinkle resistance. While many people appreciate no-iron or wrinkle free clothes, they are likely unaware of the hazardous chemicals used to create that effect.

Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are very persistent in the environment – they have been found in the blood of animals and human beings all over the world.

Researchers have serious health concerns regarding PFCs, including the risk of cancer. Like many other toxins in the home, PFCs accumulate in your body over time. PFCs cause liver and kidney damage in laboratory animals, as well as reproductive issues.

Cotton polyester blends are commonly treated with formaldehyde and softened with chemicals such as ammonia.