Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petrochemicals and is generally considered safe for everyday use, but there are some concerns regarding its potential toxicity and environmental impact. Here’s a breakdown of the issues:
Skin Sensitivity and Allergic Reactions
Polyester can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. This is often due to the synthetic nature of the fibers or the chemical dyes and finishes used in its production.
Chemical Additives
During production, polyester may be treated with various chemicals, including flame retardants, dyes, and finishing agents, which can off-gas or leach over time. Some of these chemicals, such as formaldehyde or phthalates, may have health risks.
Off-Gassing
New polyester products (like carpets or clothing) can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may cause mild respiratory irritation, headaches, or dizziness in sensitive individuals.
Microplastic Pollution
Polyester sheds microplastics during washing. These microplastics can end up in waterways, potentially affecting ecosystems and entering the food chain. While the direct toxicity to humans is still being studied, microplastics may carry and release toxic substances.
Endocrine Disruption Concerns
Some studies suggest that chemicals leaching from synthetic fibers, including polyester, could have endocrine-disrupting effects, although the risk from clothing is considered low compared to other sources.
Heat and Chemical Reactions
When exposed to high heat (e.g., ironing or being in a fire), polyester can release harmful substances, including potentially toxic gases like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.
Environmental Concerns
Polyester is non-biodegradable, contributing to environmental pollution. While not directly a toxicity issue for human health, its persistence in the environment can have indirect effects.
Why Do Some of the Products on Our Guide Contain Polyester?
Some of the products on our guide do contain polyester or other synthetic materials because some categories would be blank or quite sparse without these options. While we strive to find the products with the lowest amount of toxins possible, some items like car seats and strollers are impossible to find without some kind of synthetic material. Some items like pillows or toys may have polyester fill but an organic cotton cover, so what you’re actually touching is organic. In cases where products contain polyester or other synthetic materials, we have usually chosen items with some form of third-party textile certification to reduce chemical exposure as much as possible. Typically this is OEKO-TEX, GOTS, or GreenGuard Gold certification. In our guide we try to list the materials used in each product and their respective certifications so you can make the right decision for your family.
About Certifications:
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
- What it Ensures: Products certified with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 are tested for harmful substances, ensuring that the fabric is free from chemicals that pose health risks.
- Relevant to Polyester: Polyester certified by OEKO-TEX® is confirmed to be free from hazardous dyes, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other harmful additives.
- Why It Helps: Reduces the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions from toxic residues.
In-depth info on OEKO-TEX certification here.
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
- What it Ensures: Focuses on recycled materials, verifying that the polyester used comes from post-consumer or post-industrial waste.
- Relevant to Polyester: Encourages the use of recycled polyester, which reduces environmental impact and the need for virgin petrochemicals.
- Why It Helps: Lower toxicity risk by minimizing the introduction of new chemical processes.
bluesign®
- What it Ensures: Controls the entire supply chain to ensure safe chemicals and environmentally friendly processes.
- Relevant to Polyester: Polyester certified by bluesign® must meet strict criteria for chemical safety, including safe dyes and treatments.
- Why It Helps: Guarantees that the fabric is safe for humans and the environment, and made using fewer toxic chemicals.
Cradle to Cradle Certified®
- What it Ensures: Evaluates products for material health, reuse, renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness.
- Relevant to Polyester: Polyester certified under this standard must meet rigorous criteria for non-toxic materials and recyclability.
- Why It Helps: Encourages safer production and reuse of polyester, reducing exposure to harmful substances.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
- What it Ensures: Typically used for natural fibers but also applies to blends containing polyester.
- Relevant to Polyester: Ensures that any chemical processes involving polyester meet strict safety and environmental guidelines.
- Why It Helps: Reduces the chance of exposure to harmful additives when polyester is blended with organic fibers.
REACH Compliance
- What it Ensures: A European Union regulation that restricts the use of certain chemicals in consumer products.
- Relevant to Polyester: Ensures the polyester fabric is free from hazardous substances, such as phthalates and heavy metals.
- Why It Helps: Lowers the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals regulated under REACH.
GreenGuard Certification
- What it Ensures: Focuses on low chemical emissions, particularly VOCs, to improve indoor air quality.
- Relevant to Polyester: Often applied to furniture and textiles used indoors, including polyester items like upholstery.
- Why It Helps: Reduces exposure to toxic off-gassing from polyester products.
How Certifications Help You:
- Health: Minimize exposure to potentially toxic substances like VOCs, formaldehyde, or heavy metals.
- Sustainability: Support environmentally friendly practices, such as using recycled materials and reducing chemical waste.
- Transparency: Provide verified information about the fabric’s safety, eliminating guesswork.
By prioritizing products with these certifications, you can make more informed decisions and choose polyester textiles that are safer for your health and the environment.