What clothing fabrics are most harmful?

Have you ever considered the impact that your closet has on the world around you?

The fashion industry is constantly churning out new trends, resulting in increased carbon emissions and a significant amount of discarded clothing. As Christina Dean, founder of NGO Redress, points out, "Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned globally."

Not only do these textiles harm the environment, but they can also have negative effects on individuals. Some clothing contains toxic chemicals that can cause skin irritation and breakouts. We have compiled a list of fabrics that can be harmful to both the environment and human health.

1. Polyester

Polyester is a widely used fabric in clothing due to its low cost and durability. However, it is a man-made synthetic fiber that can be harmful to both consumers and the environment. The manufacturing process of polyester involves toxic chemicals, such as antimony, which can cause harm to various parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, liver, and skin. When polyester comes in contact with the skin, it can cause rashes, dermatitis, eczema, and redness. Additionally, polyester is not environmentally friendly as it takes up to 200 years to decompose and can release toxic chemicals into the water. The breakdown of polyester fibers can lead to microplastics that pollute water and land.

1. Acrylic

Acrylic-based textiles and garments are notoriously difficult to recycle, which means that they cannot be easily disposed of once produced. As a fabric, acrylic is not considered sustainable, and when washed, it can release chemicals into the environment. While wearing acrylic clothing is not known to cause significant health issues, studies have shown that it may increase the risk of breast cancer in women. Additionally, exposure to high concentrations of acrylonitrile, which can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption, has been linked to eye conditions and cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

1. Rayon

Rayon is a popular fabric across the world and is often used as a substitute for natural silk. It is made from natural materials such as wood pulp and bamboo. While that might seem very sustainable, the process of collecting these resources can negatively impact the environment through the clearing of forests. The decomposition time of rayon varies, depending if it is infused with toxic chemicals. Studies show that when buried in soil, rayon can take a few weeks to decompose, but if it contains hazardous chemicals, it can take up to decades to decompose. Additionally, rayon undergoes several chemical processes during manufacturing, and the fabric may contain toxins that can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and other health issues.

It's important to be mindful of the fabrics used in the clothes we wear, as some fabrics can be harmful to our health and well-being. Polyester, acrylic, and rayon are some of the most toxic fabrics you should avoid due to the presence of toxic chemicals and the potential for skin irritation. So the next time you go shopping, it's always a good idea to check the labels on clothes before purchasing them to ensure that they are made with safe and sustainable materials.

This is a chart we have created that outlines some important information about various fabrics