Clothing: Environmental and Health Impact

Clothing: The Environmental and Health Impact

Clothing products are often overlooked when it comes to creating a non-toxic environment. Yet, these garments are something we interact with every day and are in constant contact with our skin, unless you're a nudist, of course. The topic can be quite controversial when considering environmental implications, so in this brief discussion, I aim to provide information and allow you to decide if these products align with your lifestyle preferences.

One of the primary concerns with clothing is the potential off-gassing of synthetic materials that compose shirts, underwear, pants, or any other clothing item. According to Particle Fibre Toxicology, clothes release 322 mg/kg of nanoparticles through everyday human wear. These nanoparticles are often found in anti-stain and water-resistant fabrics and contain per-fluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which disrupt hormones. Additionally, phthalates, commonly present in print designs, can affect reproductive development. These nanoparticles can penetrate the skin, travel through the bloodstream, and accumulate in various parts of our body, including the brain, cells, and nerves. Disperse blue 1 dye, found in 100% polyester and acetate clothes, has been linked to the formation of malignant tumors in experimental animals. Other hazardous materials, like formaldehyde and dioxane, present in synthetic fabrics, are known hormone disruptors and carcinogens.

These toxins can accumulate in body tissues through a process known as bioaccumulation, leading to endocrine system disorders in lab animals. Over time, synthetic textiles can contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders. This underscores the importance of being cautious about chemical contamination through clothing, even in small quantities.

Research also indicates that prolonged and repetitive exposure to silver nanoparticles can damage the skin's protective function, especially when wearing tight clothes that trap heat, potentially leading to acne. The sudden increase in skin conditions has been linked to synthetic clothing, as the rates of contact dermatitis rose from 3% to 20% from the 1960s to the 2000s, coinciding with the introduction of man-made fibers in industrial countries.

These Microfibers, such as tiny plastic threads, are shedding from fabrics such a fleece and dispersing across the globe, from the Arctic to Antarctica. These microfibers are even being discovered in seafood and drinking water. Their environmental and human health impact raises significant concerns.

Microfibers are often manufactured using petroleum-based synthetic fibers like polyester and spandex. The process of manufacturing, washing, and drying these materials releases microfibers smaller than 5 mm, which can further fragment into nano-sized particles, entering ecosystems. Due to their resistance to dissolution in water, microfibers can absorb other substances, including oil residue from combusted fuel and lingering polychlorinated biphenyls in the environment. Additionally, microfibers are frequently treated with chemical additives.

Research conducted by Plymouth University in the UK revealed that the wastewater from a 6-kg load of synthetic laundry could carry over 720,000 microfibers. Several studies have documented microfiber contamination in almost every type of water outlet, including freshwater reserves. Another reason it is important to have a proper water filtration system.

Microplastics, including microfibers, were detected in 81% of tap water samples worldwide, with 98.3% of the debris comprising microfibers. In 2018, 242 out of 259 bottled-water samples from nine countries were found to contain microplastics. 

“We looked at 25 species of Great Lakes fish, and every single species had plastic in their guts,” Mason said, “The dominant type of plastic that we found was microfibre.” It was Mason who prompted more research from the World Health Organization to look deeper into the effects of microplastics.

Microplastics also may negatively impact zooplankton, which are essential for the growth of phytoplankton, which are actually responsible for producing the majority of Earth's oxygen, not the trees. If zooplankton are harmed by plastic, it can disrupt the entire ecosystem and potentially lead to more CO2 staying in the atmosphere.

Given these concerns, Killer Clothes recommends “avoiding synthetic garments with wrinkle-free, anti-fungal, flame-resistant, or antibacterial properties, as they contain finishes with toxic chemicals that pose significant health risks. If your clothing is labeled as flame retardant, stain-resistant, permanent press, antistatic, or non-shrink, it is highly likely that synthetic chemicals were applied or bonded into the fabric, which can also induce allergic reactions in some individuals.”

Not only is this causing personal health concerns, but the chemicals concealed in synthetic fabrics also pose risks to garment workers overseas. Workers in manufacturing and textile mills are often exposed to hazardous chemicals such as solvents, flame retardants, and fixatives regularly.

Tragically, one worker dies from exposure to toxic agents, pesticides, or radiation every 30 seconds somewhere in the world. Despite this alarming statistic, most brands, including those claiming to be 'ethical,' continue to use synthetic fabrics.

However, the decision to favor natural textiles over synthetic ones also presents environmental challenges. Cotton, for example, consumes vast amounts of water and pesticides and is often grown in countries with limited regulations concerning environmental and human health. Check out our suggested clothing companies here.

Conversely, synthetic fabrics are more environmentally polluting because they do not decompose easily. Plastics are designed to resist degradation and can take thousands of years to break down. Microfibers gradually fragment into smaller components, including nano-sized pieces, which become increasingly difficult to remove from the environment.

In conclusion, it is essential to exercise discernment when considering the clothing we purchase. Conducting in-depth investigations into the sourcing practices of clothing companies is the first step in addressing this issue. By supporting companies committed to genuine sustainability, we can encourage and popularize practices that prioritize environmental consciousness.

‍

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6123651/

Killer Clothes - Book by Anna Maria Clement and Brian R. Clement