How can we limit endocrine disruptors in our clothing?

Our clothing is in direct contact with our skin over more than 90% of our body's surface (especially in winter), every single day (in life, it is generally quite rare to have the opportunity to live naked). It is therefore very important to be mindful of what we put on our skin. Synthetic materials, flame retardants, and certain dyes can be harmful.

However, the textile industry does not always worry about the health of its consumers, even though we are seeing real improvements. But let's take an example: cotton is a natural material and, in principle, harmless. Yet, it is one of the biggest consumers of pesticides on the planet. Chlorine, caustic soda, sulfuric acid, heavy metals, formaldehyde, ammonia, solvents... are used in textile factories. The impact of these pesticides is heavy, whether it concerns our health or the environment.

A few habits are easy to adopt to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors present in fabrics:

• Always wash new clothes before wearing them. A study conducted by ANSES in 2018 showed that the substances contained in new clothes disappear after a first wash. Yet, some, like nonylphenols (and some of their derivatives), are suspected of causing dermatitis and being endocrine disruptors.

• Use organic laundry detergent. This avoids synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, and other modified products that may be present in industrial detergents.

• Prioritize organic cotton. More and more players in the textile industry are offering a specific range (sometimes more expensive than the rest), and it is becoming less difficult to obtain.

• Learn to recognize labels and prioritize the Oeko-Tex label. It certifies the non-toxicity of textiles and dyes and guarantees the exclusion or limitation of undesirable or prohibited substances that could pose a risk to the consumer.

• Choose Made in France brands to support French production and its know-how and limit the ecological impact by favoring short supply chains.

It is sometimes difficult to reconcile all these requirements... We spend time unearthing eco-responsible brands that are respectful of the body and the environment.