Do you know what's touching your skin?

Did you know?

Skin is one of the largest organs of the human body. Most people do not know about the risks to skin health related to the chemicals in clothing and skin care products. These risks are generally not life-threatening, but can affect well-being and put a strain on the health care system. The ability of skin to waterproof the body prevents rapid absorption of toxic liquids or unnecessary fluids and keeps the body from dehydrating.

Moisture must be present for the skin to absorb chemicals from your clothes. Do you sweat in your clothes? Do babies put clothing in their mouths?

Sherman, C. (2008 March 10). Organic consumers association. Do you know what toxic chemicals lurk in your clothing?. Retrieved from http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_10830.cfm

Did you know formaldehyde is used in clothing and textiles?

Ø      It is what gives a garment the convenience such as permanent press, no iron, and being water repellent. There is no legal requirement to list the chemical on the article label. Formaldehyde is a suspected human carcinogen and has been known to cause birth defects. 

      Dadd. D.L. (1997). Home safe home: Protecting yourself and your family from everyday toxics and harmful household products. New York, NY: Penquin Putnam Inc