Medical opinion on the dangers of synthetic clothing. Five reasons why your child should not wear synthetic clothes

Anna Turetskaya

Reading time: 10 minutes

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When choosing things to update our wardrobe, we rarely think about how safe they are for the body. As a rule, the main selection criteria are the aesthetics of the item and its price. It is not surprising that an allergy of unknown origin is then discovered in the form of a constant runny nose or a rash on the body.

Is it worth buying synthetic clothing, and how to choose it with the least risk to health?

Composition of synthetic fabrics for clothing and linen

The very first artificial fibers became known in 1900, when the synthesis of petroleum products was first carried out and polymers were obtained, on the basis of which synthetic clothing was subsequently produced. The first patent was issued in the 30s of the 20th century, and already in 1938 the industrial production of such clothing began.

And, if in the 60s we perceived synthetics as a cheap substitute for high-quality natural fabric, today, when buying synthetics, we may not even notice it.

Fibers of synthetic and natural cotton fabrics

Composition of synthetic clothing - what are our dresses and tights made of?

New technologies are regularly introduced in the production of artificial threads.

Moreover, today not only oil refining products are turned into bright fabrics, but also components of metals, coal and even natural gas. As of 2017, more than several thousand fibers of chemical composition have been invented!

All synthetic fabrics, according to their chemical structure, are divided into...

Heterochain (note - from carbon, sulfur and chlorine, fluorine, nitrogen and oxygen): polyamide and polyester fabrics, as well as polyurethane.
Carbon chain (note - from carbon atoms): polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene, polyacrylonitrile and polyvinyl alcohol.

In total, today there are more than 300 types of synthetics, but most often we find things made from the following materials on store shelves:

Lycra(note – polyurethane synthetics). The names spandex and neolan, elastane and dorlastan are also used in trade. Features: ability to reversibly mechanical deformations (stretching and returning to the original state); loss of elasticity with a strong increase in temperature. It is worth noting that polyurethane threads are not used in their pure form. As a rule, they are used as a base, stringing other fibers on top. Such things do not wrinkle, retain elasticity, color and shape, “breathe”, and are resistant to abrasion.
Capron(note – polyamide synthetics). Names used in trade: helanka and jordan, perron and taslan, as well as meril and anid. The most popular representatives of this group are nylon and nylon. The latter, by the way, once replaced silk used for parachute fabrics. Polyamide threads are used in the production of tights and leggings. The presence of nylon and nylon in the fabric by only 10% significantly increases the strength of the fabric, without compromising hygienic characteristics. Features: does not rot, holds its shape, is light and highly durable, has low resistance to high temperatures, does not retain heat, does not absorb moisture, accumulates static electricity.
Lavsan(note – polyester synthetics). Trade names: tergal and dacron, polyester and lavsan, trevira and terylene. Such fibers are often used in the production of curtains or, with the addition of natural fibers, to create suiting fabrics, coats or faux fur. Features: wear resistance, high temperature resistance.
Acrylic(note – polyacrylonitrile synthetics). Or faux wool. Trade names: nitron and acrylan, dolan and cashmilon, orlon and dralon. Used for furniture fabric, artificial fur, mattresses. Features: resistance to fading and high temperatures, no pilling, lightness and strength.
Dyneema and Spectra (note – polyolefin synthetics). Trade names: meraklon and found, spectrum and ulstrene, herculon and tekmilon. Used for sportswear, upholstery, tarps and carpets. And also for socks and underwear with the addition of natural fibers. Features: lightness, low hygroscopicity, high thermal insulation, almost zero elongation, low temperature stability.
Polyvinyl chloride synthetics. Trade names: vinon and chlorine, teviron. Used for sewing workwear, artificial fur/leather, carpets. Features: resistance to aggressive “chemistry”, instability to temperature, shrinkage after temperature/treatment, low electrical conductivity.
Polyvinyl alcohol synthetics. These include mtilan and vinylon, kuralon and vinol, and vinalon. Used for the production of underwear and socks together with viscose and cotton; for surgical threads, home textiles, sportswear, etc. Features: strength and resistance to light and temperatures, high hygroscopicity, low resistance to chemical influences.

It happens (and, unfortunately, not rarely) that manufacturers, in pursuit of cheaper products, change the technological process, or even use prohibited components. There were cases when, as a result of examination, carcinogens and formaldehydes were found in clothes that were 900 times higher than the norm.

There are many cases in Russia when children and adults suffered from low-quality synthetics.

Therefore, when choosing synthetic clothing The manufacturer should also be taken into account(you shouldn’t buy synthetic things “for pennies” in the passage or at the market around the corner).

Disadvantages of synthetic clothing - how can synthetic clothing or underwear harm you?

The maximum permissible rate of synthetics in the fabric composition is no more than 30%.

What are the disadvantages of synthetic fabrics?

Static electricity accumulates. It seems like a trifle - crackling, sparks, but according to research, static electricity has negative consequences for both the nervous system and the heart. And then we wonder why our head hurts, our sleep is disturbed and our blood pressure rises.
Rapid contamination of tissues by microorganisms. Many people do not know that spores of fungi and mold grow very quickly between synthetic fibers, which, when they come into contact with mucous membranes, cause serious diseases. This is one of the reasons why gynecologists recommend buying underwear exclusively from natural fabrics.
Causes dermatitis, itching, allergies. And if they contain harmful components, they can cause serious diseases, including asthma, chronic allergies, etc.
Low hygroscopicity. That is, low quality of moisture absorption. Considering that the skin tends to produce sweat, which needs to evaporate somewhere, this quality of synthetics is one of the reasons to abandon it. With such properties of the fabric, a convenient environment is created for the proliferation of harmful bacteria with all the ensuing consequences.
Disruption of natural body heat exchange and lack of adequate air exchange.
Accumulation of unpleasant odors (pretty fast).
Poor quality washing.
Long-term release of volatile fiber components , including toxic ones, when ironing clothes. Such components can be released throughout the year.

To whom are synthetics contraindicated?

First of all, for allergy sufferers.
For asthmatics.
People with skin problems.
For children, expectant and nursing mothers.
Cancer patients.
At .

It is worth noting that these shortcomings are predominantly found in the lowest quality and cheapest items of clothing, consisting of almost synthetic materials. completely, or 100%.

The advantages of synthetic clothing - when can clothing made from synthetics be healthier than clothing made from natural fabrics?

Are there high-quality synthetics?

Yes, it exists.

More can be said: modern fabrics made from synthetic fibers are, for the most part, hypoallergenic and have many advantages:

Health safety.
High strength.
Long service life without loss of quality.
Breathable fabric composition.
Absorption of moisture and accelerated evaporation.
The presence of granules with antibacterial, tonic or even fat-burning properties.
Wear resistance.
Resistance to rotting, infection by mold fungi or pests.
Color and shape stability.
Ease.
Fast drying.

Modern synthetics does not stretch or shrink, does not wrinkle and is easy to wash. It serves for years, and the presentation of the product remains original.

Of course, such things are not cheap, and a thin artificial silk blouse can hit your wallet by 5,000-6,000 rubles.

However, It is still recommended to choose things that are “closer to the body” from natural fabrics, but synthetics are also suitable for outerwear.

Learning to choose synthetic clothing - basic rules for choosing and caring for synthetic clothing

Just 15-20 years ago, we didn’t particularly care about the dangers of synthetics for the body, happily buying up the bright blouses, dresses and children’s tights with suits that poured onto the shelves.

Today, even children know about the dangers of synthetics, and doctors are sounding the alarm due to the growing number of allergy sufferers and other victims of low-quality materials (including Chinese dishes, building materials, etc.).

How to choose synthetic items to protect your health?

Let's study the label. The minimum proportion of natural fibers in the composition is 70%. If the synthetic content is more than 30%, we put the item back on the shelf and look for another one.
We evaluate the appearance – we look for defects, check the item for smell, analyze the paint on the fabric. If there is an unpleasant odor from an item, we safely refuse it. Remember that washing will not get rid of toxic components in the fabric - they will be released every time you wash, iron, etc.
We take into account seasonality. A fleece sweatshirt holds heat well and is suitable for winter, and a nylon raincoat is suitable for rainy autumn, but in summer synthetics are completely useless and even contraindicated.
Purpose of the thing. Any items that are constantly in contact with your skin should be 100% or at least 70% natural fibers. That is, socks, underwear, T-shirts and shorts are only natural. Synthetic pajamas are also a bad option. But for sports, high-quality synthetics are simply irreplaceable. Moreover, modern synthetic fabrics not only preserve air exchange and regulate heat exchange, but also absorb sweat, thanks to special microfibers and impregnations. Among the leaders in the quality of such clothing are Puma and Adidas, Riok, Lotto and Umbro. As for outerwear, it may consist entirely of synthetics. The main thing is that you sweat in it.

And of course, focus only on trusted manufacturers who value their reputation.

If you liked our article and have any thoughts on this matter, please share with us. It is very important for us to know your opinion!

Synthetic fabrics, in particular nylon and polyester, appeared on the market relatively recently - in the middle of the last century. However, after some time it became clear that synthetic clothing has many disadvantages: it does not allow the skin to breathe, stimulates sweating and even irritates the skin of people with hypersensitivity. Since then, manufacturers have learned to create truly high-quality synthetic fibers and mix them with natural fabrics, but many people still believe that synthetics bad for health. “Sofa experts” claim that things made of polyester can cause allergies and dermatitis, and even lead to insomnia and decreased immunity. But do not rush to believe every word of opponents of synthetics. So, we’ll tell you what effect clothes made from non-natural fabrics have on the body.

Synthetics and skin diseases

Synthetic fabric itself cannot cause skin diseases. And an allergy to clothing can occur due to the fact that the skin is constantly in contact with the substances that were used in its production, and they can be not only synthetic, but also natural. Allergy sufferers often suffer from resins, dyes, glues, chemical additives and tannins that make up the fabric.

However, items made from synthetics - just like clothing made from wool - can aggravate condition with eczema and dermatitis. This means that if the skin is already irritated, synthetics will not benefit it. And the point here is not about potentially dangerous substances, but about the coarse structure of the fibers of polyester, acrylic and viscose.

Synthetics and underwear

The American College of Dermatologists lists synthetic underwear as one of the causes of thrush. However, there is no scientific evidence of such a connection to date. In turn, experts from the American Association of Proctologists do not recommend wearing synthetic underwear to avoid anal itching. But both of them indicate that it is not the synthetic fabrics themselves that cause discomfort. Just tight fitting to the body, the panties create a warm and moist environment on the skin that is ideal for bacteria. Therefore, it is better to choose underwear made from natural fabrics - this is the honest truth.

Synthetics and cold

No matter how much they talk about the dangers of synthetics, in some situations it is simply irreplaceable. For example, in cold weather. The fact is that to protect yourself from hypothermia, you need to wear several light layers of clothing. However, the first of them should be synthetic thermal underwear. If cotton comes first and the person sweats, the fabric will absorb moisture but allow the body to lose heat. But synthetic fibers will not allow critical heat loss.

Synthetics and sweating

People with excessive sweating are often advised to avoid synthetic clothing. However, this is not entirely true. In this case, two aspects play a role: how quickly the fabric absorbs moisture, and how quickly it removes it from the surface of the skin. A cotton T-shirt will really absorb all the sweat, but it will keep you dry for a long time. But synthetic ones will quickly remove excess liquid from the skin. Therefore, in fact, those who sweat a lot need to combine natural fabrics with synthetics, the main thing is that the quality of the clothing is high.

Synthetics and ecology

Both synthetic and natural fabrics are harmful to the environment to some extent. For example, the production of cotton requires the use of a colossal amount of pesticides, and there is nothing to say about the production of genuine leather products.

Well and main danger synthetics is that it can decompose for centuries, releasing harmful substances into the atmosphere.

Previously, we told you whether palm oil really is...

Based on materials from the Zen channel “Just Ask.”

When choosing a new dress or a well-tailored pair of skinny trousers, you should pay attention not only to the appearance of the item, but also to its composition. He can tell you how the clothes will behave when washed and ironed, whether they will last a long time or stretch quickly. True, with all the variety of artificial and natural materials, it’s easy to get confused in names like “nylon”, “polyurethane”, “viscose” and “polyester”.

Product manager Oh, my Nadezhda Koltsova told The Village what materials to be careful of, why a low percentage of synthetics in woolen items is not scary, and natural cotton is good at any time of the year.

Synthetic fibers appeared at the peak of scientific progress in the 30s–60s of the last century. At that time, such clothes seemed stylish and modern, but now comfort and environmental friendliness are valued first, so the choice most often falls on clothes made from natural materials. Nevertheless, synthetic additives are necessary: they increase the service life of things, prevent wrinkles and retain their shape when washed. Therefore, if clothes contain no more than 30% synthetics, there is nothing to be afraid of.

It is important to remember that synthetics are made from petroleum products with an abundance of various chemical components. The process uses volatile toxic components that can remain in the material forever. Neither washing, nor ironing, nor drying will clean the fabric completely. Therefore, synthetic clothing is contraindicated for allergy sufferers who suffer from asthma, eczema or psoriasis. Moreover, cheap 100% synthetic fabric can cause dermatitis even in an absolutely healthy person.

Synthetic fabric does not allow air to pass through. Therefore, it should not be worn in summer: in hot weather you will sweat even more. In addition, static electricity arises from the contact of fabric with skin. This, in turn, can cause increased irritability and fatigue.

The most commonly used synthetic fabrics

Polyester (or polyester fiber)

Films and plastic are made from the same material, only of a different density. Externally, polyester is a bit like fine wool, but its properties are closer to cotton. Fabric made from 100% polyester is wear-resistant and durable, does not require special care (can be machine washed at 40–60 degrees), dries quickly after washing, holds color well and practically does not shrink. But it is extremely harmful for people with sensitive skin. Therefore, when choosing clothes for everyday wear with polyester, take models with large cutouts that are loose and do not restrict movement.

What are they sewing? Polyester is often used in the production of casual trousers, dresses, knitwear and outerwear (raincoats, windbreakers), as well as in the production of sportswear, where it is practically irreplaceable.

Lycra (another name is elastane)

Invention of the American chemical company DuPont. The material resembles rubber, so it is highly durable and has excellent stretch. One hundred percent lycra is a very durable material that quickly returns to its original shape. It is extremely difficult to leave folds on it. Lycra thread is very thin, so it is often included in cotton and linen clothing. In everyday life, you are unlikely to see clothes made of 100% Lycra. But the Spider-Man suit was made of elastane.

As a rule, the lycra content in basic items is no more than 8%. It is better to wash things with lycra at a high temperature (from 40 degrees), but with a mild detergent (for example, liquid powder concentrate). Iron on the delicate fabric setting.

What are they sewing? Lycra allows you to create elegant lingerie models (almost all push-up bras are made from lycra), stockings and leggings. Elastane is often added to tight trousers and jeans.

Acrylic

Acrylic is a synthetic material obtained from natural gas. Literally clothes made out of thin air. Acrylic is made in the form of a thread. You can get both smooth and very bulky yarn for chunky knit sweaters. This yarn is much lighter than regular wool, which allows you to knit quite long things that will not weigh two or three kilograms later. Acrylic yarn is often called artificial wool. The material does not wrinkle well and does not absorb moisture well, which is important for outerwear, but is ideal for dyeing.

What are they sewing? Acrylic often replaces natural wool in sweaters, cardigans and turtlenecks. Mittens, socks and warm tights are knitted from it. If you see that the color of the sweater is very rich and bright, and it is much lighter than it seemed on the hanger, then most likely it is acrylic. Remember that an acrylic sweater will never keep you warmer than a wool sweater.

Nylon

Nylon appeared as an alternative to natural silk. This is also a DuPont development. The fabric is valued for its light weight, incredible strength, resistance to damage and even some chemicals. Thanks to the smoothness of the fibers, nylon is very easy to wash: any dirt is washed off without effort, and the detergent does not settle on the fabric.

An item made of cotton, linen, wool, or cashmere will be stronger if 5–30% nylon is added to it. It is better to wear things with nylon if it is windy or cool outside, as it does not allow air to pass through.

What are they sewing? Stockings and socks are used in the production of dresses, sweatshirts, sweaters, and windbreakers.

Big misconception

Many people mistakenly believe that viscose is a synthetic material. Actually this is not true. Viscose is a product of cellulose processing. It is created by breaking down cellulose products in an alkaline solution of NaOH (sodium hydroxide). If you set fire to viscose thread, it will smell like wood. Viscose is very soft to the touch, retains heat well and allows air to pass through. Lightweight viscose items can be safely worn in the summer.

What you need to know about synthetics and natural fabrics

Pay attention to the tags with information about composition and care. In addition, you should always look at the appearance of the item. For example, to understand the quality of a woolen item without trying it on, pinch it. Are there hairballs on your fingers? This means the clothes are of poor quality. A few lint? Take it with confidence.

Almost all cotton items shrink after washing, as it is a living fiber. If an item is washed or boiled during production, it will most likely retain its appearance.

A wool sweater can feel like a felt boot, if you wash it in a machine at high temperature. To eliminate these shortcomings, synthetic fibers are added to wool. Therefore, you should not be afraid if there are not many of them (up to 30%).

If the item is 100% synthetic, then the manufacturer decided to save money without thinking about the consequences for the skin. It's not worth buying.

Natural cotton is good at any time of the year. In summer, it breathes well, removes moisture, preventing the formation of irritations on the skin. In winter, it is perfect as an inner layer between the body and a wool sweater or sweatshirt.

It’s nice to wear natural silk in hot weather: It conducts heat poorly, so it remains cool to the body for a long time. A good substitute is flax or hemp.

Cotton fabric is suitable for the off-season. It can be textured (with fleece) and dense - this will give softness, warmth and comfort. Woolen suiting and coat fabrics are well suited for cool spring and late autumn. They warm perfectly, remove moisture outside and allow the required amount of air inside.

Nylon or polyester raincoats with a special waterproof and windproof coating will perfectly protect from rain and bad weather. But it is better not to wear them as an alternative to a light jacket on sunny days: you will sweat more.

Best choice for winter- multi-layering. For example, the first layer (the one closest to the body) is a cotton long sleeve or T-shirt; the second is a thick shirt made of viscose or the same thick cotton; the third is a wool sweater or cardigan.

Mostly in winter the air warms us, which heats the body. And it circulates under clothing and between fabric fibers. Therefore, the fabric must hold it, and natural wool fibers do this best, since they were created by nature precisely for this purpose.

Photos:, , , via Shutterstock

Bright light dresses, colorful T-shirts with cartoon stickers, elastic shiny suits, “eternal” sweatpants - all this is undoubtedly attractive. It might even be a good price. But once again we are talking about the dangers of synthetics for a child’s body.

The child’s health is above all, so it’s worth buying children’s clothing made from natural raw materials, such as those offered by mackays.ru: comfortable, practical, hygienic.

Five reasons why children should not wear synthetics

1. Synthetic fabric does not have hygroscopic properties: when sweat is released, the fibers do not absorb it, which does not allow moisture to evaporate. The body remains wet, while the pores become clogged. This leads to the second reason:

2. Synthetics do not allow the body to “breathe”: clogged pores do not remove moisture, and with it some harmful substances, from the child’s body. Irritation may occur: redness, rash caused by exposure to microorganisms that linger on the baby’s delicate skin.

3. Chemical fibers do not provide the necessary heat transfer. Synthetic thread, unlike natural thread made from linen or cotton, has no space between the fibers. Therefore, air is not retained by such clothes. In the cold, the body loses its own heat, creating the impression of a shell or film. In hot weather, when the body does not give off heat for the same reason, overheating occurs. Moisture and microscopic skin particles quickly form a sticky mass that clogs the space between the threads. In summer, this is completely unbearable, since the body of an actively moving child simply “suffocates.” In winter, such film clothing does not protect against the cold, preventing the formation of an air space that retains heat.

4. Chemical elements in synthetic fabrics can be allergens. Even adults have an allergic reaction to some types of synthetic fabrics. Children's immunity is not so strong, so the cause of skin hyperemia, rash, itching, redness of the mucous membranes, runny nose and sneezing, even nausea can be caused by substances contained in the paint used for fabric.

5. Synthetics are very electrostatic: clothing accumulates an electrical charge. Adults are less sensitive to this. But the child complains that something is pinching him: these are micro-discharges of current. In children, this causes anxiety, poor sleep, loss of appetite, and lethargy.

Synthetic fabrics have more disadvantages than advantages. They are made... from petroleum products, coal, gas. Then the processing method decides everything - it can turn out to be artificial fiber, or maybe film or plastic. When buying synthetics, remember: this fabric does not allow air to pass through. You are guaranteed to sweat! In hot weather, do not wear synthetic clothing at all, as you risk getting heatstroke: volatile toxic components may remain in synthetic threads forever. Therefore, if you are allergic, asthmatic, or have other skin diseases, do not wear synthetics: static electricity accumulates in such fabric.

Scientists have not yet proven whether sticky clothing affects health, but they warn that it can cause damage to the immune system. And all because cheap synthetic fabrics are sometimes dyed with toxic dyes. Are you an expert? This is fraught with dermatitis even in a healthy person.

Viscose

Many people consider it natural. Light the viscose thread and take a sniff: do you catch the smell of wood? Rayon is obtained from wood or cotton stems.

This type of fabric has advantages: viscose clothing breathes and absorbs moisture well, dries quickly, is easy to iron, lighter than cotton or linen, does not accumulate static electricity, and repels dirt. Although viscose is made from natural raw materials, it is still subject to chemical processing. To extend its service life, some elements from the periodic table are added to it, which theoretically can cause irritation on sensitive skin.

Polyester

The composition contains substances containing petroleum products. During the processing process, of course, there is no trace or smell left of them. But when it comes to bedding, it's better not to take risks. It will be completely uncomfortable to sleep in polyester bedding. The next morning you will most likely wake up with a heavy head and swelling on your face. The secret of morning sickness is that in such a bed you sweat, but the sweat never goes away. All toxins released by the body remain on the tissue. Over time, the pellets will appear, and further use of the sleeping accessory becomes a complete discomfort.

Polyamide and nylon

Every young lady has these fabrics in her closet. Tights, stockings, leggings... The products are highly elastic, but tear easily (especially those made of nylon).

Speaking of usefulness, you can conduct the following test: do you want to quickly take off your tights when you come home after an 8-hour working day? Yes! Thermoregulation in these clothes is terrible - there is no warmth. The released moisture is not absorbed. For this reason, the skin creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria and microbes. Therefore, do not walk around unless unnecessary (for example, at home) in tights.

Acrylic

Riddle: looks like wool, but is not wool. What is this? That's right, acrylic. You won't freeze in it, but the fabric won't let air in. As a result, you will be drenched in sweat.

Therefore, it is better to choose wool. Moreover, after the first wash, acrylic can present an unpleasant surprise and stretch.

When choosing fabric, do not rush to make hasty decisions. Think first of all not about beauty, but about your health and comfort. Remember that eco-friendly fabric will always be the key to your good mood.