Another Case for Organic Fabrics: Chemicals in Bras

Reader Contribution by Staff
article image

<p>
<p>A potential class-action <a title=”lawsuit” href=”http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Story?id=6225503&page=1″ target=”_blank”>lawsuit</a> against Victoria’s Secret has some women itching to get out of their bras.</p>
<p>The problem? Complaints of allergic reactions to <a title=”formaldehyde” href=”http://www.epa.gov/iaq/formalde.html” target=”_blank”>formaldehyde</a> supposedly found in the fibers of the bras’ cups. Some women have reported painful welts, rashes and blisters.</p>
<p>
<br />
<a href=”http://flickr.com/photos/jenny-pics/” target=”_blank”>
<strong>Photo by Jenny Downing/Courtesy flickr</strong>
</a>
</p>
<p>Formaldehyde in clothing is not <a title=”uncommon” href=”http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/233417/should_you_wash_new_clothes_they_could.html?page=2&cat=5″ target=”_blank”>uncommon</a>. Many stain- and wrinkle-free clothing are laced with the toxin. The best way to avoid sensitive skin reactions to these harsh chemicals is to buy <a title=”organic fabrics” href=”https://www.motherearthliving.com/mother-earth-living/fabrics-for-living.aspx” target=”_blank”>organic fabrics</a>.</p>
<p>Your next best option is to launder your new clothing (especially undergarments) before wearing them. You won’t wash out the chemicals completely, but you will dilute them and reduce the amount that comes into contact with your skin.</p>
<p>Your underwear is the closest thing to your skin, meaning whatever’s in it (pure, organic fabric or chemical-filled fabric) seeps into your skin daily.</p>
<p>A typical Victoria’s Secret Secret Embrace bra costs $45–some can go for more. A simple, <a title=”organic cotton bra” href=”http://www.pristineplanet.com/organic-bra-organic-nursing-bras-organic-cotton-bra-bamboo/bras/10088_a_0.html” target=”_blank”>organic cotton bra</a> costs <em>up to</em> $45. No bells and whistles with these, though–just simple, comfortable and ivory in color.</p>
<p>How organic do you go when it comes to clothing? Would you forgo mass-produced style for simple, organic luxury–regardless of the pricepoint?</p>

  • Published on Nov 11, 2008
Tagged with: Reader Contributions
Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-800-456-6018
Free health and natural beauty tips from Mother Earth News!