We’ve pointed out in several blog postings the names of various chemicals that are used in textile processing which are known to cause cancer. These include (but aren’t limited to) antimony, pentachlorophenol, methylene chloride, arsenic, formaldehyde, phthalates, benzenes, PVC, sulfuric acid, acrylonitrile. The fabrics we live with are full of chemicals that are known to …
Many chemicals used in textile processing – and elsewhere in consumer products – have been identified as “endocrine disruptors”. I never paid too much attention to “endocrine disruptors” because it didn’t sound too dire to me – I preferred to stick to something like “carcinogens” because I knew those caused cancer. I knew that endocrine …
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve been told: “I’ve been an interior designer for (insert number of years here) and in all that time, not one person has ever asked for a “green” fabric!” Or the popular variation: “my clients don’t care about “green”. The implication, of course, is that I’m …
Let’s look at just three areas in which your fabric choice impacts you directly: 1. What are residual chemicals in the fabrics doing to you and the planet? 2. What are the process chemicals expelled in treatment water doing to us? 3. Why do certain fiber choices accelerate climate change? RESIDUAL CHEMICALS …
I just don’t know what it takes to change people’s habits. We need a huge wake up call about the disastrous state of our oceans! Our oceans are our life support system. And they’re in trouble. Because this is a blog about textile issues, I wanted to remind you that the textile industry is the …
We published this blog almost two years ago, but the concepts haven’t changed and we think it’s very important. So here it is again: Although most of the current focus on lightening our carbon footprint revolves around transportation and heating issues, the modest little fabric all around you turns out to be from an industry …
In January 2009, new blue uniforms were issued to Transportation Security Administration officers at hundreds of airports nationwide. [1] The new uniforms – besides giving officers a snazzy new look – also gave them skin rashes, bloody noses, lightheadedness, red eyes, and swollen and cracked lips, according to the American Federation of Government Employees, the …
We’ll be taking a few days off over the holidays (no blog next week) and we’d like to wish you all a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. A few weeks ago we wrote about the holiday rush, and all the gift giving that happens this time of year. Here are some gift suggestions: …
Copper is an essential trace element that is vital to life. The human body normally contains copper at a level of about 1.4 to 2.1 mg for each kg of body weight; and since the body can’t synthesize copper, the human diet must supply regular amounts for absorption. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that 10-12 …
It’s the holiday season – and that usually means gifts. I have begun the annual frenzy and I’m watching my budget – yet I wince each time I hear an ad for an even cheaper price. I’m especially worried by the Old Navy ads for really cheap cashmere sweater. (Click here to read our blog …
OEcotextiles 