The Rise of Synthetic Fibers and Petrochemicals
Petrochemicals and synthetic dyes are in every sector of our lives. After World War II, experiments took place with petrochemicals to create fiber. One of the first synthetic fibers made was nylon. Nylon and other synthetic fibers have played a great role because of their strength and economical cost of production compared to natural fibers. Natural fibers for clothing such as wool, cotton, flax for linen, silk, hemp, bamboo, and alpaca are slowly coming back because of committed groups in California.
Health Concerns in Various Industries
Staff members of an American Airlines complained of blistering, rashes, swollen eyes, nose bleeds, and inflammation. Tests of their uniforms commissioned by airlines and the flight attendants' union turned up tributyl phosphate, lead, arsenic, cobalt, antimony, restricted disperse dyes known to cause allergic reactions, toluene, hexavalent chromium, and dimethyl fumarate, an antifungal that had recently been banned in the European Union. Not only did the synthetic fibers cause the problem but also the dyes in the uniform material caused allergic reactions. The uniforms also contained wrinkle-resistant chemicals and fire retardants. When the flight attendants confronted the manufacturer in a court case, it was thrown out because of a lack of evidence. In addition, the materials used in the cabin of airplanes gas off gases from plastic and other synthetic materials.
People who work in auto body shops, fashion, the furniture industry, beauty salons, and manufacturing plants are exposed to constant toxins. The toxins build up on an intracellular level in the organs, skin, and the brain. Most doctors are not equipped to diagnose environmental poisoning and either misdiagnose or are unable to make recommendations.
Toxic Chemicals in Clothing and Other Products
Clothing and other items such as shoes are highly polluted with chemicals and metals. Shoes are sprayed with a chemical before they are exported. The chemicals work up from the sole of the shoe into the feet. The US Federal Commission asks the clothing retailers to list the fiber content, country of origin, identification of the manufacturers on labels. Chemical composition is not indicated, many of which cause serious consequences to humans.
Don't forget about babies' clothing. Pure cotton clothing for children is available, however most clothing, especially for toddlers carry many of the following chemicals: Azo Dyes, PFCs (Perfluorinated chemicals), NPEs (Nonylphenol ethoxylates) and more. One of the most used dyes, Azo dye, has many chemical varieties and is linked to skin problems, respiratory issues, depleted immune system and long-term health problems. PFCs are related to birth defects and linked to testicular and kidney cancer. NPEs have widespread exposure which is absorbed through the skin and the environment. This widely used chemical is linked to fatigue, nosebleeds, rashes, and possible neurological issues.
The Danger of Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is sometimes used to make clothing wrinkle resistant. This chemical is an endocrine disruptor. It’s also used for bacteria, mold, and as a preservative and is linked to immune suppression, obesity. There are many other insidious chemicals affecting people's lifestyle including their automobile. Walking through stores with synthetic materials, taking vacations on ships, offices, and other workplaces. It is a lot to contend with.
Mitigating Health Risks with Natural Solutions
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to place in your purse or have in your car the Thieves hand sanitizer or Thieves wipes. The selected essential oils in this blend dissolves petrochemicals. Clean your hands after you pump gas, come out of a shopping mall, or grocery store. Additionally, taking a detox bath with a combination of Epsom Salts, Baking Soda, and Borax can help. Check temperature of bath water, then squirt in one of Young Living's Bath and Shower Gel which contains the following essential oils: Dragon Time, Evening Peace and Calming, Lavender Bath and Shower Gel, Morning Start Bath and Body Gel, Sensation Body and Shower Gel all plant-based body cleansers. Soak for a minimum of twenty minutes. Schedule routine baths according to your condition.
Promoting Organic Alternatives
Melrose essential oil has a blend of four premium essential oils. It is a powerful cleanser. Scrub scalp and apply it to the brain stem, spine and wherever else it is needed. Lavender oil could be helpful to apply directly after bath when pores are open to further relax the body, prepare it for sleep, and allow the body to absorb the essential oils that you choose to apply. If there is inflammation in the body, Thieves, Longevity, Luscious Lemon, Purification, Peppermint, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Ginger are very helpful. For little children, flower essential oils are helpful as well as Gentle Baby and Sara. You can apply Ortho Sport over these oils or apply them to larger areas on the body such as legs and back.
Supporting Detox in the Body
Cleaning out the intestines with the cleansing kit and Comfortone™ in between has benefits as well as the liver cleanse. These toxins have various weights and are difficult to remove. It can take a long time in some cases. For example, you do not want the metals deposited in the brain, heart, or colon, you want to move out through the colon or out through the skin. The Longevity capsules are beneficial, and Thieves help with deep-seated inflammation. Both products come as an essential oils blend and as soft gels in Longevity and Inner Defense with the Thieves blend.
You may want to consult a health practitioner who has knowledge of environmental poisonings and side effects of dental work because of mercury amalgams in the teeth. It takes work to find a practitioner as they do not study these toxic issues in school, however some take courses on their own. There is information on websites that you may find beneficial.
There is light at the end of the tunnel as there are farmers, textile people, clothing designers and material sources gathering to promote clothing and other natural materials. Some of the plant-based dyes for clothing are beautiful; organic bed sheets from cotton and linen are now becoming available. There are mattresses for beds that are now available that are very impressive regarding their dedication and standards. Check out fibershed.com to study further.
References:
“The Dirty Dozen of Kids Clothing - Why Buying Organic Kids Clothes Matters.” Q for QuinnTM, www.qforquinn.com Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.