Question from Jane Carter
Hello!
I’d really value your input on a subject that is an increasing concern to me. One of my favorite sources for exercise wear has recently begun to feature yoga pants and other workout clothing with an “antimicrobial finish” to the fabric. Actually, the descriptions even sound as though this is a feature that is woven into the fabric.
I do not know what kinds of chemicals this process would involve butI certainly do not want to be wearing chemicals when we’re all concerned enough with avoiding breathing them and ingesting them!
What exactly are these finishes? It seems to me that just laundering workout clothes would be enough to avoid the necessity for using them in the first place.
Also, I plan to search for the name of the CEO of this company and write to them, telling them I would continue to use their exercise wear IF they dropped the chemical finishing!
Thanks, and thank you for your outstanding newsletter!
Debra’s Answer
Q&A: Antimicrobial Shoes for Children has some discussion of antimicrobials used in shoes, which may also apply to clothing.
It would be best if you can get that CEO to tell you exactly what the antimicrobial is, and then I can tell you about the toxicity.
