Is Your Clothes Toxic? 5 Synthetic Fabrics With High Environmental Impact

In today’s fast-paced fashion world, affordability and convenience often take precedence over health, environmental safety, and sustainability. Many consumers are unaware that the fabrics they wear daily often marketed as durable or wrinkle-resistant are actually chemical-laden materials that carry serious health risks. From the moment they are manufactured to the time they are discarded, chemical-based fabrics contribute to a cycle of pollution, poor health, and unsustainable production.

Here are five of the most commonly used chemical-based fabrics and the dangers they pose:

1. Polyester: The Plastic You’re Wearing

Polyester is one of the most widely used synthetic fabrics in the world, made from petroleum-derived chemicals. Its production involves energy-intensive processes that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals into the air and water.

Health Risks: When worn, polyester can trap heat and moisture, creating an environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. Some individuals may experience skin irritation or rashes from prolonged contact with polyester, especially when worn in warmer climates or during physical activity.

Environmental Impact: Polyester garments shed microplastics every time they’re washed, tiny plastic fibers that enter waterways and end up in oceans, where they’re ingested by marine life and eventually by humans.

Sustainability Concerns: As a petroleum product, polyester is non-renewable and non-biodegradable. A single polyester shirt can take up to 200 years to decompose in a landfill.

2. Acrylic: A Wool Substitute with a Toxic Twist

Acrylic is often used as a synthetic alternative to wool due to its soft texture and ability to retain heat. However, this comfort comes at a high cost. Acrylic fibers are created through the polymerization of acrylonitrile, a compound classified as a probable human carcinogen.

Health Risks: Acrylonitrile can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled during wear or production, potentially contributing to long-term health issues such as respiratory problems or hormonal disruption.

Environmental Impact: Like polyester, acrylic also sheds microplastics and contributes to plastic pollution. Its production generates large amounts of waste and releases toxins into the air and water.

Sustainability Concerns: Acrylic is energy-intensive to produce and is not biodegradable, leading to long-lasting pollution in landfills and ecosystems.

3. Nylon: From Stockings to Smog

Nylon was the first synthetic fiber made entirely from petrochemicals and remains popular in activewear, hosiery, and outdoor gear. It’s prized for its stretch, durability, and resistance to water—but its benefits come with severe drawbacks.

Health Risks: Nylon does not breathe well and can cause skin irritation or exacerbate conditions like eczema. It may also retain sweat and odors, requiring more frequent washing and faster wear-out.

Environmental Impact: Nylon production involves the release of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. The manufacturing process also consumes high levels of energy and water.

Sustainability Concerns: While some recycled nylon options now exist, virgin nylon remains highly unsustainable due to its fossil fuel origins and long degradation time in the environment.

4. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) in Faux Leather & Coated Fabrics

Use: Faux leather, rainwear, and accessories.

Health Risks: Contains phthalates and chlorine-based chemicals linked to hormone disruption.

Environmental Impact: Production releases dioxins and other carcinogens.

Sustainability Concern: One of the most environmentally toxic plastics; virtually non-biodegradable.

5. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Fiber

Use: Specialty textiles, water-soluble applications, sometimes blended into performance fabrics.

Health Risks: Minimal in clothing but inhalation during manufacturing poses risks.

Environmental Impact: Derived from petroleum; high-energy production and contributes to water pollution.

Sustainability Concern: Not widely biodegradable or recyclable in standard textile systems.

What Can You Do?
Awareness is the first step toward change. Opt for natural, organic fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, linen, ramie, and TENCEL™ lyocell, which are grown or produced with fewer chemicals and offer biodegradability. If you must wear synthetics, look for recycled versions and wash them using filters to reduce microplastic pollution.

By educating yourself and making intentional choices, you not only protect your health but also contribute to a more sustainable, ethical fashion industry.