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The Dark Side of Polyester: Health, Environmental, and Reproductive Concerns

 

Polyester Fabric, Health Risks and Concerns

I know most of us love that feeling of slipping into a smooth, wrinkle-free outfit, but what if the material in your favorite clothes are silently harming your health? As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that it’s not just what we put in our bodies that make us sick, it’s also what we put on our body. You see, our skin is comparable to a sponge, soaking any and everything we put on it. That’s why it's imperative to be aware of the materials we are putting on our skin. Let's discuss why.

Polyester is one of the world's most used fibers. It is found in our bras, underwear, leggings, and workout clothes, yet most consumers know nothing of how it's made. It’s essentially plastic. This plastic is made from crude oil based petroleum (yep, gasoline), and goes through a number of chemical processes to create the final products many of us are wearing right now. The polyester fibers that cover our skin are synthetic, or man made, textile fibers formed by condensation polymerization of two monomers: dicarboxylic acid or terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. The problem in this case is that these monomers are not completely removed from the fabrics during the manufacturing process and get absorbed by the skin from the material and introduced directly into your bloodstream. As I’ve matured, it became clear to me that most products that are man-made or synthetic have the potential to cause health issues in the long run.


Polyester manufacturing process


The production of synthetic, man-made fibers like polyester and even other materials like rayon, nylon, spandex and acrylic often rely on the use harmful chemicals that are actually classified as either:
  1. carcinogenic
  2. explosive
  3. flammable
  4. poisonous
  5. all of the above  
Synthetic material classification


Your body uses the skin to release well up to one pound of toxins per day. Polyester restricts this process by suffocating your pores. Here are a few ways in which this has hazardous effects on your health:

1. Polyester creates an electric potential around your scrotum that blocks sperm production and increases the internal temperature of the sperm. This reduces sperm count and can cause infertility. 
2. Polyester is marketed as a moisture wicking material mainly in athletic clothes like leggings and underwear, but these materials actually trap odors and irritate the skin, all of which works against the function of the human body. 
3. Polyester produces phytoestrogens, which act as endocrine (hormone) disruptors and also causes certain types of cancers.

polyester and chemical exposure

Given the potential health risks associated with these chemicals, prioritizing natural, eco-friendly fabrics is crucial. Organic and natural materials like cotton, hemp, silk, and linen are ideal, especially for undergarments, sleepwear, and camisoles, which have prolonged contact with the skin. Reducing chemical exposure translates to a lighter burden on your body, potentially leading to long-term health advantages. I understand we can’t completely eliminate toxins from our body, but because knowledge is power, we can make more informed decisions to reduce our exposure and promote a healthier well-being.

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Disclaimer: 

Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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