We all 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? Polyester, a clothing staple for many, may be hiding some not-so-secret health hazards. Let's explore why it might be time to rethink your wardrobe.
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. Polyester is 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 product. Polyester fibers are synthetic textile fibers formed by condensation polymerization of two monomers: dicarboxylic acid or terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. The problem 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.
The production of synthetic, man-made fibers like polyester and even other like rayon, nylon, spandex and acrylic often rely on the use harmful chemicals that are classified as either:
- carcinogenic
- explosive
- flammable
- poisonous
- all of the above
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 literally causes infertility.
2. Polyester is marketed as a moisture wicking material mainly in workout 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.
Given the potential health risks associated with these chemicals, prioritizing natural, eco-friendly fabrics is crucial. Organic and natural fibers 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.
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