The clothes you wear could be killing you slowly
May 04, 2008
THE clothes we wear and the way we keep them clean can shorten our life span. Dangers posed by fashion today can be devastating to your longevity, experts say. For instance, in the United States, dyes containing benzidine, a substance that is easily absorbed through the skin, are no longer used beca
By Fred Ouma
THE clothes we wear and the way we keep them clean can shorten our life span. Dangers posed by fashion today can be devastating to your longevity, experts say. For instance, in the United States, dyes containing benzidine, a substance that is easily absorbed through the skin, are no longer used because they cause cancer.
Unfortunately, most of the clothing we buy is imported from countries that do not control the use of these dyes. The “no-iron†cotton fabrics are one of the many fabrics brought in the country.
Dr. Meyers Lugemwa, a senior medical officer, says most of the fabrics are treated with formaldehyde resin, the fumes of which can cause allergies, asthma, cough, fatigue, headaches, sleeplessness and skin rash.
Lugemwa advises that it is best to wear naturally dyed cotton fabrics.
Hang toxins out to dry
Dry cleaning involves the use of a chemical solvent called perchloroethylene to remove stains. Studies show that the solvent is toxic to human beings.
Many people experience such adverse reactions from dry-cleaned clothing as dizziness, headache, sinus congestion and shortness of breath. The solvent has also been found to cause cancer in animals.
To minimise exposure to chemicals, Lugemwa advises people to air out their dry-cleaned garments for at least 24 hours before putting them in closets or drawers. “Alternatively seek out dry cleaners that use only organic, non-chemical cleaning methods.â€
Laundry chemicals
Dr. Joseph Nabali, an ear, nose and throat clinician, warns that laundry detergents have some health risks. When one uses chlorinated laundry detergent and bleach, one inhales fumes, which can irritate or damage one’s lungs and upper airway.
Nabali says the healthy alternative is to wash with baking soda or natural detergents like salt, which can be combined with lemon juice to make a chemical-free stain remover for clothes and carpets.
A mixture of a tablespoon of De-Mite and natural ingredients like tea tree oil can take care of dust mites in bedding and clothing. The mixture works well when washing with cold-water.
Fight moths naturally
Moths eat holes in may people’s clothes. But, tempting as it might be, do not use mothballs.
Dr. Jackson Orem, the head of Uganda Cancer Institute, warns that mothballs contain benzene, a compound that can cause cancer. He advises people to opt for natural alternatives like cedar balls, lavender or pennyroyal.
“The alternative is to keep your clothing in vacuum-sealed bags,†advises Orem.
All that glitters...
One of the substances commonly found in jewellery cleaners is cyanide – a potent poison that can affect people negatively through fume inhalation and skin contact.
Though it is a seemingly small amount of toxicity, experts say, continuous exposure compromises health over the long term.
Lynn Birungi, a jewellery dealer in Kampala, recommends that to clean silver ware, line up a bowl (preferably glass) with aluminum foil and fill it with three cups of hot water, mixed with two tablespoons of cream of tartar.
Soak your silver for one hour in the mixture before rinsing with water.
Birungi says that for gold, rub on baking soda or toothpaste with a soft cloth.
Existing regulations
Moses Sebunya, a spokesperson for the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, says all personal care products sold in the country should have a list of ingredients on their labels.
“It is on the basis of proper labelling that the bureau issues a quality mark. It is important that consumers buy products with a quality mark.â€
Some of the quality marks are UNBS, NEMKO, ISO and Diamond Mark.
Chemicals used in detergents
Sodium hypochlorite and Hydrogen peroxide (bleaching agent): If mixed with ammonia, it releases toxic chloramine gas. Exposure may cause mild asthmatic symptoms or more serious respiratory problems.
Petroleum distillates or mineral oil jelly: Short-term exposure can cause temporary eye clouding. Long-term exposure can damage the nervous system, cause kidney failure, multiple chemical sensitivity and strips natural oils from the skin causing chapping, dryness and premature ageing. It also prevents the elimination of toxins and can cause acne.
Phenol and cresol (in disinfectants): They are corrosive and can cause diarrhoea, fainting, dizziness and kidney and liver damage.
Nitrobenzene: It can cause skin discolouration, shallow breathing, vomiting and death. It is associated with cancer and birth defects.
Formaldehyde (It is used in skin care and hair products, anti-perspirants and nail polish): It can cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness, insomnia and asthma. It can also weaken the immune system and cause cancer.
Hydrochloric acid or sodium acid and Acetic acid (souring agents): It can burn the skin, cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach burns if swallowed. It can also cause blindness.
Residues from fabric softeners, as well as the fragrances commonly used in them, can be irritating to susceptible people.
Synthetic colours: coal-tar dyes are generally labelled as FD&C or D&C followed by a number.
Spray starch is also harmful. Ingredients used in starch like like formaldehyde may irritate the lungs.
THE clothes we wear and the way we keep them clean can shorten our life span. Dangers posed by fashion today can be devastating to your longevity, experts say. For instance, in the United States, dyes containing benzidine, a substance that is easily absorbed through the skin, are no longer used because they cause cancer.
Unfortunately, most of the clothing we buy is imported from countries that do not control the use of these dyes. The “no-iron†cotton fabrics are one of the many fabrics brought in the country.
Dr. Meyers Lugemwa, a senior medical officer, says most of the fabrics are treated with formaldehyde resin, the fumes of which can cause allergies, asthma, cough, fatigue, headaches, sleeplessness and skin rash.
Lugemwa advises that it is best to wear naturally dyed cotton fabrics.
Hang toxins out to dry
Dry cleaning involves the use of a chemical solvent called perchloroethylene to remove stains. Studies show that the solvent is toxic to human beings.
Many people experience such adverse reactions from dry-cleaned clothing as dizziness, headache, sinus congestion and shortness of breath. The solvent has also been found to cause cancer in animals.
To minimise exposure to chemicals, Lugemwa advises people to air out their dry-cleaned garments for at least 24 hours before putting them in closets or drawers. “Alternatively seek out dry cleaners that use only organic, non-chemical cleaning methods.â€
Laundry chemicals
Dr. Joseph Nabali, an ear, nose and throat clinician, warns that laundry detergents have some health risks. When one uses chlorinated laundry detergent and bleach, one inhales fumes, which can irritate or damage one’s lungs and upper airway.
Nabali says the healthy alternative is to wash with baking soda or natural detergents like salt, which can be combined with lemon juice to make a chemical-free stain remover for clothes and carpets.
A mixture of a tablespoon of De-Mite and natural ingredients like tea tree oil can take care of dust mites in bedding and clothing. The mixture works well when washing with cold-water.
Fight moths naturally
Moths eat holes in may people’s clothes. But, tempting as it might be, do not use mothballs.
Dr. Jackson Orem, the head of Uganda Cancer Institute, warns that mothballs contain benzene, a compound that can cause cancer. He advises people to opt for natural alternatives like cedar balls, lavender or pennyroyal.
“The alternative is to keep your clothing in vacuum-sealed bags,†advises Orem.
All that glitters...
One of the substances commonly found in jewellery cleaners is cyanide – a potent poison that can affect people negatively through fume inhalation and skin contact.
Though it is a seemingly small amount of toxicity, experts say, continuous exposure compromises health over the long term.
Lynn Birungi, a jewellery dealer in Kampala, recommends that to clean silver ware, line up a bowl (preferably glass) with aluminum foil and fill it with three cups of hot water, mixed with two tablespoons of cream of tartar.
Soak your silver for one hour in the mixture before rinsing with water.
Birungi says that for gold, rub on baking soda or toothpaste with a soft cloth.
Existing regulations
Moses Sebunya, a spokesperson for the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, says all personal care products sold in the country should have a list of ingredients on their labels.
“It is on the basis of proper labelling that the bureau issues a quality mark. It is important that consumers buy products with a quality mark.â€
Some of the quality marks are UNBS, NEMKO, ISO and Diamond Mark.
Chemicals used in detergents
Sodium hypochlorite and Hydrogen peroxide (bleaching agent): If mixed with ammonia, it releases toxic chloramine gas. Exposure may cause mild asthmatic symptoms or more serious respiratory problems.
Petroleum distillates or mineral oil jelly: Short-term exposure can cause temporary eye clouding. Long-term exposure can damage the nervous system, cause kidney failure, multiple chemical sensitivity and strips natural oils from the skin causing chapping, dryness and premature ageing. It also prevents the elimination of toxins and can cause acne.
Phenol and cresol (in disinfectants): They are corrosive and can cause diarrhoea, fainting, dizziness and kidney and liver damage.
Nitrobenzene: It can cause skin discolouration, shallow breathing, vomiting and death. It is associated with cancer and birth defects.
Formaldehyde (It is used in skin care and hair products, anti-perspirants and nail polish): It can cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness, insomnia and asthma. It can also weaken the immune system and cause cancer.
Hydrochloric acid or sodium acid and Acetic acid (souring agents): It can burn the skin, cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach burns if swallowed. It can also cause blindness.
Residues from fabric softeners, as well as the fragrances commonly used in them, can be irritating to susceptible people.
Synthetic colours: coal-tar dyes are generally labelled as FD&C or D&C followed by a number.
Spray starch is also harmful. Ingredients used in starch like like formaldehyde may irritate the lungs.