Harmful of synthetic clothing. Five reasons why a child should not wear synthetic clothes. Synthetics and skin diseases

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.

Going shopping in search of clothes for myself and my children makes me more and more perplexed. From early childhood, we tried to dress children in natural fabrics and rejoiced at wonderful things made of cotton, linen, and silk. But children are growing up and life has acutely confronted us, parents, with the question of school uniforms. As experts advise, the amount of synthetic fibers in it should not exceed 55 % . But to me, as a mother, and 50 % It seems like a lot, because I know that children at school have to move quickly and during the heating season the room is hot. And synthetics, as you know, cool in cold weather, but do not allow air to pass through in hot weather. I don’t want to talk at length here about the problems of school uniforms, that’s not what we’re talking about, I’ll just say that the vast majority of manufacturers sew them in violation of hygienic standards, and if you want to buy a uniform made from natural fabrics, then prepare a tidy sum.

So, for children over 10 years old, and for themselves too, finding something made from natural fabrics is becoming more and more difficult. They can argue with me that synthetic fabrics have firmly established themselves on the shelves of our stores, because... Manufacturers strive to meet the requirements of practicality and fashion in every possible way. Indeed, you say, these things do not wrinkle, are easy to wash, are much cheaper and in appearance can compete with natural fabrics: in color, texture and even imitating the same wool or cotton. But few people think about how these visual and tactile effects are achieved. In the textile industry, there are 8,000 chemicals that can ensure that fabrics do not wrinkle, do not fray, do not shrink, and wash well.

Even natural fabrics are often not found in their pure form. Now it’s no secret that the same wool can be obtained from a sheep not only by shearing, but also with the help of a chemical: poured on it and all the wool fell off. It’s the same with cotton: they sprayed it, and all the cotton bolls fell off. Very comfortably. What can I say, the chemical industry has penetrated far into all spheres of people’s lives. But this hasn’t made us any healthier. Synthetic fabrics accumulate static electricity and thereby attract dust. Fatty secretions from the skin are well absorbed by them, which leads to frequent washing. Poor absorption of moisture and lack of air passage leads to impaired heat exchange and skin diseases. Allergic reactions, acne, fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure and palpitations may develop.

Synthetic underwear is especially harmful. It creates a greenhouse effect in the perineal area in women, as a result of which pathogenic bacteria begin to multiply rapidly. This historical fact is interesting. For the first time, Maria de Medici ordered the sewing of underwear (panties) for ladies. They made pantaloons for her from stiff brocade fabric, and she suffered from candidiasis for the rest of her life. Modern synthetic fabrics for underwear are varied, but among them doctors advise choosing microfiber and viscose, as they are the closest in properties to natural ones.

The death of the beautiful Soviet actress, Elena Mayorova, who died tragically at the age of 39, made a strong impression on me. The synthetic dress she was wearing, which caught fire, melted and stuck to her body. The actress died from the burns she received. For the same reason, military personnel should not wear clothes and underwear made of synthetics: in the event of a fire, they cannot be removed, they increase the burn area and leave ugly wounds.

And I would also like to add that poor-quality clothing can cause considerable harm to health. A very cheap price, an “eastern” manufacturer (China, Taiwan, New Zealand), bright colors - all this is a reason to think about it. Such clothing contains a dangerous substance - formaldehyde, which, when absorbed through the skin, has a toxic effect on the body (cough, choking, allergies, irritation of mucous membranes) and negatively affects the nervous system (anxiety, disturbed sleep). The use of harmful dyes (aromatic aniline) by these manufacturers can lead to the development of cancer (bladder and urethral cancer).

Each person chooses what to wear. But is your health enough?

The harmful effects of synthetics on the body are much wider than is commonly believed. Impaired heat exchange is just the tip of the iceberg; problems with the skin and even the nervous system can arise. Compound
Clothing made from synthetic fabrics became a real breakthrough in the 20th century, taking away a large market share from natural fabrics. Such clothes have another significant plus - practicality in use. Synthetics, as a rule, do not wrinkle, are easier to care for and store, and are more durable than natural fabrics. Synthetic fibers are synthesized from petroleum, coal and natural products, recalls Tatyana Sysoeva, Candidate of Medical Sciences, dermatovenerologist at the MEDSI Clinical Diagnostic Center.
They have been used in clothing production for more than 50 years; the most popular materials are: polyester, polyamide, acrylic, elastane, nylon.
Dangers
Sysoeva explains: synthetic fabrics in most cases do not allow the skin to breathe. As a result, air circulation is disrupted, thermoregulation suffers, and the person sweats more.
A favorable environment for the growth of bacteria is formed, especially in summer. This threatens with infectious skin lesions: folliculitis, pityriasis versicolor, inguinal epidermophytosis Tatyana SysoevaCandidate of Medical Sciences, dermatovenerologist of the MEDSI Clinical Diagnostic Center
Dermatocosmetologist, candidate of medical sciences Leila Roz also notes that synthetic clothing often causes allergic reactions - rash, redness, itching and irritation of the skin, especially in people with atopic dermatitis and other skin diseases. Due to intense sweating, an unpleasant odor appears, which is difficult to “wash out”.
Allergic reactions can also be caused by low-quality toxic paints, which are used in the production of cheap clothes. In addition, according to the head of the expert department of NP Roskontrol, hygienist Andrei Mosov, some materials can release some toxic substances under clothing - monomers of synthetic fibers.
The physical properties of even the most modern synthetic materials, such as the ability to absorb moisture, breathability and electrostatic properties, are strikingly different from the properties of natural materials. This is why synthetic materials, especially as the first layer of clothing, are undesirableAndrey MosovHead of the expert department of NP Roskontrol, hygienist
At the same time, according to Tatyana Sysoeva, due to the fact that synthetic fabric does not absorb moisture well, which means sweat does not evaporate and causes the fabric to stick, the time and area of ​​contact with the skin increases, which increases the risk of developing dermatitis.
As Maya Belousova, a cosmetologist and dermatovenerologist at the multidisciplinary medical center “Clinic No. 1”, notes, a violation of thermoregulation may well lead to overheating of the body in the heat, up to and including heat stroke. In summer, tight synthetic clothing is a direct path to heat illness. Today, this is the name given to various health disorders due to overheating, including the well-known heatstroke, agrees with colleague Andrei Mosov. Stress
Also, according to Mosov, a violation of the air-heat balance of a person who experiences discomfort all day long, worsens mood, causes stress, can cause many psychosomatic diseases and even lead to more serious health problems.
You've probably noticed a crackling, tingling sparkle when you take off synthetic clothes - this is static electricity, which can also have a bad effect on the nerve endings of the skin, which leads to general irritability, fatigue and problems with sleep Leila Roz, Candidate of Medical Sciences, dermatocosmetologist
The expert also does not recommend sleeping on synthetic bedding; this, among other things, “increases the risk of attacks in patients with bronchial asthma and allergic reactions.
Compromise
Natural fabrics also have disadvantages: they are difficult to wash and iron, and they are less practical. However, today a fairly large volume of production is occupied by mixed fabrics containing natural and synthetic fibers simultaneously. Dermatocosmetologist Alena Chernookova believes that this allows you to combine the environmental friendliness and hygiene of natural fabrics with the practicality of synthetic ones, and there is nothing wrong with wearing such things. It is the properties of such fabrics that destroy the myth about the dangers of all synthetic clothing.
The optimal content of synthetics in clothing is from 5% to 15%. This amount will protect you from allergic reactions, infectious and fungal diseases Alena ChernookovaDermatocosmetologist
According to Leila Roz, it is always necessary to take into account that there are high-quality materials and their not very high-quality analogues. For example, quality fabrics for good sportswear include breathable fibers, they have micro-holes that allow air to pass through to the surface of the skin and allow moisture to escape without letting it back in. In addition, in these clothes you will not get wet in the rain. The expert is also sure that it is quite possible to choose things from natural ingredients with the addition of synthetic materials, but in a ratio of no more than 50% synthetic fibers.
Not only the fabric, but also the design of clothing and other wardrobe items can be hazardous to health.

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 meryl 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 lightweight 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 chlorin, 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?

1. 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 we have headaches, disturbed sleep and high blood pressure.
2. Rapid contamination of tissues by microorganisms. Many people do not know that fungal and mold spores 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.
3. Causes dermatitis, itching, allergies. And if they contain harmful components, they can cause serious diseases, including asthma, chronic allergies, etc.
4. 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.
5. Disruption of natural body heat exchange and lack of adequate air exchange.
6. Accumulation of unpleasant odors (pretty fast).
7. Poor quality washing.
8. 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:

1. Health safety.
2. High strength.
3. Long service life without loss of quality.
4. Breathable fabric composition.
5. Absorption of moisture and accelerated evaporation.
6. The presence of granules with antibacterial, tonic or even fat-burning properties.
7. Wear resistance.
8. Resistance to rotting, infection by mold fungi or pests.
9. Color and shape fastness.
10. Ease.
11. 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.

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