The Dangers of Plastic Clothing
You may think plastic is a weird clothing choice, but odds are you’re actually quite familiar with it. The 1960s were bursting with plastic (and paper) clothing, especially raincoats, designed in bright or clear colors. These were popular because of their space-age looks and cheap price tags. Now, you can find plastic in any type of clothing that is waterproof, and frequently as a replacement for metal, bone, and rubber. However, plastic as clothing poses quite a few health risks, for both the people in the production factories and for those who wear them.
The Dangers of Plastic Clothing
Recycling plastic for clothing has become more common.
Old plastic shredded and transformed in a polyester thread in a complicated process that involves dunking the plastics in corrosive liquid, mixing them for hours, and putting them through a sieve-like device to create long fibers. The danger is that the process creates very toxic fumes that could injury or even kill the workers involved in the recycling. Attempts are being made to reduce the dangers, but then there’s the matter of actually wearing the clothes made of plastic. Direct contact with plastic products exposes you to materials like lead, mercury, and carcinogens. This can result in a higher risk of cancer, birth defects, and other serious health problems.
Specific plastics lead to specific health issues.
Vinyl, which is a popular material for sexy lingerie and costumes, can cause asthma, reproductive problems, and hormonal imbalances. Acrylic fibers, used in knitted clothing as a substitute for wool, can cause difficulty breathing, headaches, and stomach problems. Polyester has been connected to rashes and eye irritation. Plastic may seem like a cheap alternative to other fabrics, but the reality is that putting plastic so close to your skin results in your body absorbing the harmful chemicals. Some people are especially sensitive to plastic in clothing. They need to look closely at the labels of every piece of clothing. Plastic is sometimes hiding amongst other fabrics, like cashmere. If you have been having frequent health problems and can’t seem to identify the cause, look at your clothes. They might be contributing to your poor health.
