When buying clothes, it’s always a good idea to read labels carefully. Many clothes are manufactured with chemicals that can have negative health effects. Here are some of these substances:
Thick tights
Wearing thick, heavy, hosiery isn’t healthy for your feet. In fact, it can cause serious problems, such as athlete’s foot and cellulitis.
Many of the fabrics that are used to make tights don’t breathe, which is why bacteria thrives in them. You can protect your feet by wearing socks instead. If you choose a sock, look for one made from a natural fibre. Natural fibres are breathable and let the air flow through.
Nylon and synthetic fibres also trap heat and moisture, which makes them ideal breeding grounds for bacteria. They can also cause abscesses and yeast infections.
Hexavalent chromium
Hexavalent chromium is a metal used in various industrial processes. It is usually mined in South Africa and Kazakhstan and exported to Albania and other parts of the world.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates hexavalent chromium to protect workers from exposure. However, it is possible for people to be exposed to high levels of chromium in the air, and this can cause damage to the lungs, skin, and eyes.
There are many ways to avoid exposure to hexavalent chromium. For example, people should use HEPA filters for vacuuming, and hexavalent chromium should not be disposed of in landfills.
Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)
Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are a group of toxic chemicals that pose a health hazard to humans and aquatic life. They are commonly found in detergents, laundry products, and industrial processes. These chemicals are known to leech into water and may cause reproductive problems in rodents.
As a result, some countries have banned the use of NPEs. The European Union has banned their use within its borders. However, the chemical remains in garments and other articles that are imported from outside the EU.
There are many reports of nonylphenol ethoxylates leeching into water and causing problems for aquatic organisms. Some scientists have also found them in human breast milk and blood.
PFAS
If you’ve ever worn clothing with a “water-resistant” finish, chances are you’ve touched something containing PFAS. These chemicals are known to be cancer-causing and can cause other health problems. And they’re still being manufactured in many industrial and commercial applications today.
Despite its widespread use, PFAS is not yet regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. This means it can be present in your clothing and furniture without you realizing it. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid exposure to these toxic chemicals.
For instance, a company in California is testing its entire supply chain for PFAS. It plans to eliminate PFAS finishes by 2023.
PCBs
PCBs and clothes health dangers are a concern for many, including because of technology. These chemicals have been associated with cancer, lowered IQ, and other health problems. Several studies have been conducted to determine the effects of PCB exposure. However, no studies have found a safe level of exposure.
PCBs are endocrine disruptors. They can mimic hormone effects, which can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This can increase the risk of heart attack. Also, they can cause poor short-term memory and motor control.
PCBs can be found in the environment and on foods. Some of the highest PCB concentrations are in fish. Fish also take up PCBs from water and from sediment.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that can be found in our clothing, fragrance, and household items. They are considered endocrine disruptors and can affect the brain, nervous system, and other organs.
Some phthalates are linked to reproductive problems in women and men, as well as asthma and cancer. It’s no surprise that the most vulnerable to these chemicals are children. Children are particularly vulnerable because they weigh less than adults and can absorb chemicals more easily.
Some phthalates have been linked to heart disease, and studies suggest that pregnant women are also at risk. In the past few years, federal agencies and states have banned the use of some of these chemicals in some products.
Laundry detergents
Many laundry detergents contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to your health. Toxic ingredients in laundry products can cause a variety of negative health effects, including cancer, asthma, and allergies.
Some of the most toxic substances in laundry detergents include fragrances, phthalates, and synthetic colors. All of these chemicals can have negative effects on human health when worn against the skin.
The Environmental Working Group rates laundry products based on their toxicity level. Laundry detergents with a toxicity score of F or G have harmful effects on human health. In fact, many of the top brands of laundry detergents have been rated as unsafe for your health.