Question from Jennifer
Hi Debra,I am curious about your opinion of fleece clothing. I am referring to the garden variety microfleece, not the greener, recycled six pack ring kind. Are there any health risks associated with it? How about children’s sleepwear that has NOT been treated with flame retardands? (I understand that polyester is inherently flame resistant and does not require chemical treatment to pass regulations). I have taken all of my children’s fleece pajamas out of circulation until I know for sure.
Thank you,
Jennifer Asadow
Debra’s Answer
I don’t recommend polyester at all. While very little research has been done on the health effects of synthetic fibers such as polyester, still they are plastics and outgas. Some types of polyester fabrics, such as woven polyester-cotton sheets, always have formaldehyde finishes.
In addition, polyester can be irritating to the skin and cause skin rashes, particularly on children’s delicate skin.
While polyester sleepwear is not the worst thing in the world, I’d provide cotton sleepwear for my children.
