The Need for Non-Toxic: Uncovering Hidden Chemicals in Clothing

Many of the clothes we wear today contain harmful chemicals, like formaldehyde and phthalates, which can cause health issues such as skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer. Opting for non-toxic clothing made from organic fibers can reduce exposure to these toxic substances and protect our health and the environment.

We always want to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and protected from harm. However, despite our best efforts, we can’t always be on the lookout for each of them. Moreover, how can we do that if potentially dangerous chemicals, which we are unaware of, are lurking in the very clothes we wear?

Truth be told, a staggering portion of clothes sold on the market today contain toxic chemicals that can impact our health negatively. Hence, it’s important to consider switching to non-toxic clothing for us and our loved ones.

Chemicals Used in Manufacturing Clothing

Are you aware that clothing manufacturers use over 8,000 synthetic chemicals to manufacture and process clothing? Some of these chemicals are:

1. Formaldehyde: Clothing manufacturers commonly use formaldehyde to make wrinkle-resistant fabrics and keep them from shrinking after washing. Incidentally, mortuaries also use formaldehyde to preserve dead bodies. Can you imagine wearing something that’s used to slow a cadaver’s decomposition? Formaldehyde has been proven to cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory problems. Cancer is also a result of long-term exposure to this chemical.
2. Phthalates: Notice how some plastics and synthetic materials are very flexible? You can attribute that flexibility to a group of chemicals called phthalates. You can find them in PVC materials and synthetic leather. Scientists have often linked phthalates to developmental issues in children, as well as to reproductive problems.
3. Flame Retardants: Clothing becomes more resistant to fire due to these chemicals. These are typically present in furniture, mattresses, and children’s sleepwear. Scientists have often linked flame retardants to hormone disruption and cancer.
4. Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs): You may attribute clothing’s water-resistant and stain-resistant properties to perfluorinated chemicals or PFCs. You’ll typically find them in outdoor gear and rainwear. Some scientists have linked PFCs to developmental issues in children, cancer, and reproductive problems.
5. Lead: Lead is a primary composition of clothing accessories, such as snaps, zippers, and buttons. It has been proven to cause development issues in children and has resulted in cognitive impairments in adults.
6. Pesticides: Conventional cotton farming uses pesticides, so it goes without saying that clothing made from it contains pesticide residues. Pesticides generally harm the environment and people’s health. Some scientists have linked pesticides to reproductive problems, developmental issues in children, and cancer.

Wearing clothes treated with toxic chemicals could have serious and far-reaching consequences for your health. Aside from cancer, developmental issues, reproductive problems, and allergic reactions, these chemicals can interfere with hormones and disrupt the immune system. This is why you must understand the importance of non-toxic clothing.

Understanding Non-Toxic Clothing

This fact emphasizes the need for non-toxic clothing, specifically those made from fabrics that contain no toxic chemicals and materials.

So, what is non-toxic clothing? This is clothing made from fabrics that do not contain toxic chemicals or materials, some of which we discussed above. It is clothing made with natural, renewable, and organic fibers and free from toxins, harmful dyes, and other synthetic materials.

Non-toxic clothing is also breathable, offering the skin and body better air circulation. More importantly, it is organic and environmentally friendly.

Limiting Our Exposure to Toxic Chemicals in Clothing

If you have sensitive skin or allergies, being mindful of the materials and manufacturing processes used in crafting is crucial. You obviously want clothing that supports your health and well-being.

Many conventional garments contain harmful chemical residues that can trigger skin irritation and other health issues. So, your best bet is to explore non-toxic clothing.

You may start your non-toxic clothing by checking out Cottonique’s range of clothing made from 100% organic cotton. Thus, you can be sure what you’re buying is, in fact, made from organic cotton and not greenwashed.

At Cottonique, the closest thing to your skin should be non-toxic. Check out our offerings for organic clothing that is better for you and kinder to the Earth.