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Threaded with Toxins: How Synthetic Fabrics Impact Your Health and Fertility



We all wear clothes. The type of fabric our clothes are made from can be causing negative health impacts. Polyester is used in 54% of all fibers produced. Synthetic materials, which include polyester, make up 62% of fiber production. The chemicals and properties of these unnatural materials have been linked to many health conditions.


Several human and animal studies have linked polyester to infertility. A 1992 study found that polyester is an effective contraceptive that inhibits sperm production in men. In 1993, an animal study revealed that cotton underwear had no effect on the reproductive organs, but polyester caused “statistically significant reductions in sperm count, motile sperm, more abnormal forms and the testicles showed degenerative changes.” A study conducted on mice showed reduced sexual activity in the mice who wore polyester and polyester blend underwear. A 2008 study on female dogs concluded that polyester prevented pregnancy due to lowered progesterone and electrostatic properties of the material. A small 2007 animal study linked polyester garments to miscarriages in pregnant dogs.


Several of these studies suggested that the electrostatic and thermogenic properties of polyester garments caused infertility. Static interferes with hormonal production and can cause improper development of sperm and impaired ovarian function. Reproductive organs are also sensitive to temperature, and synthetic materials often create an environment that is too warm. The good news is that the contraceptive effects of polyester were reversed after a period of not wearing the polyester garments after most of the studies.


Microplastics are absorbed into the body from polyester and other synthetic, plastic-based materials like nylon and acrylic. It’s estimated that about 500,000 tons of microplastics enter the ocean every year from washing plastic-based fabrics, making microplastics a widespread contaminant. Microplastics have been detected in human blood, saliva, livers, kidneys, and placentas. Nanoplastics, which are very small particles of plastic, have been shown to be able to enter into the nuclei of cells.


Studies have shown that microplastic exposure “can potentially lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory disorders like lung cancer, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, neurological symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness, inflammatory bowel disease and even disturbances in gut microbiota.” Nano- and microplastics have been proven to cause premature cell death and have damaging effects on DNA and cells. Microplastics have also been linked to “oxidative stress, DNA damage, organ dysfunction, metabolic disorder, immune response, neurotoxicity, as well as reproductive and developmental toxicity.” The full extent of the long term effects of microplastics on health are not yet well understood.


Synthetic fibers are often unsanitary as well. Synthetic fibers often retain odor and allow pathogenic bacteria to flourish, which can cause skin conditions to occur or worsen. Wearing these textiles often causes the body’s moisture to be retained, which feeds bacteria and can lead to yeast infections, UTIs, skin irritation, and body odor. 

Wearing clothing made from synthetic fibers also exposes you to higher levels of chemicals than those made from natural textiles. Chemicals commonly found in synthetic fabrics include phthalates, formaldehyde, AZO dyes, PFAS (forever chemicals), PFAs, heavy metals, NPEs, VOCs, and flame retardants like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Look for third party verifications and organic clothing to avoid these harmful chemicals.


The best way to avoid the negative effects of polyester and other synthetic fabrics is to choose clothing and linens made entirely of natural fibers. Natural materials, like cotton, hemp, bamboo, jute, wool, and silk, can be used in place of man-made materials. Organic textiles offer the additional benefit of a lower chemical and pesticide load than conventional products.


Avoiding synthetic materials can help reduce risks of certain conditions and lower toxin exposure. When the body is bogged down by toxins and not able to function well, our health suffers. Choosing to live as naturally as possible can help you achieve and maintain optimal health. Schedule a consultation with Renewed Hope Nutrition for holistic health and nutrition advice.



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