There are a lot of conflicting reports on the web about whether or not dyes are as harmful as they seem. In our day and age, it is nearly impossible to avoid synthetic dyes entirely. They are in everything from Jello, vitamins and candy, to pickles, flowers and even diapers! While we cannot eradicate synthetic dyes from our lives, we can make a conscious effort to avoid them when reasonably possible.
Some interesting points to note include:
American children have been found in one study to have 18 times more chemicals in their systems than their parents. These chemicals include PBDE's (flame retardants) and phthalates (property of plastics). Where are these chemicals present? Foods, body lotions/washes and clothing.
Health risks of PBDE's (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers) include liver, thyroid and neurological damage, with an extreme health risk to fetuses, babies and children. Health risks of phthalates (found in our children, soft toys, lotions, shampoos, cosmetics etc.) include disrupted hormone levels and reproductive defects. See http://greencotton.wordpress.com/2007/10/24/tests-reveal-high-chemical-levels-in-kids’-bodies/ for a full list of dangerous chemicals in our food and clothing, along with medical studies information.
Dye workers in dye plants are 40% more likely to develop tumors, cancers and various diseases. A study in Japan found that dye workers were at an increased risk of developing cancers (including lung), cerebrovascular disease and tumors. These increased numbers have been noted at dye factories in America as-well.
Corporate America, including Wal-Mart, Target and Gap, put pressure on harmful dye companies to mass produce synthetic dyes, despite known environmental impacts. In one town in China, over 22,000 tons of harmful post dye bath materials were dumped in a river, killed off the fish life and turned the river red, and then into a sludge. Towns, ecosystems and lifeforms were devastated by the pollution. The corporations behind these devastations have not taken responsibility for these travesties. See this Wall Street article for more on the environmental impacts of synthetic dye manufacturing in countries that do not regulate their dye production and pollution impacts. http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118580938555882301.html
Synthetically dyed clothing do impact our children's skin! Research has shown that our children have high levels of harmful toxins and chemicals in their systems that could have been transferred over from their clothing. Our skin is porous and absorbent which means that prolonged exposure to synthetic dyes, made with toxins and carcinogens, could have long lasting impacts on our health. In Europe, many of the most harmful dyes have been banned from the markets, but the United States has yet to begin a campaign again dyes that include known carcinogens. Synthetic dyes in our clothing are believed to contribute to rashes, skin irritations, eczema, acne, headaches, problems concentrating and even allergies.http://greencotton.wordpress.com/2007/10/24/tests-reveal-high-chemical-levels-in-kids’-bodies/
As previously noted, avoiding synthetic dyes all around is near impossible (imagine the hassle trying to find business casual outfits made from organic cotton and plant dyes...) but whenever you have the opportunity to do so, try purchasing an eco-friendly, naturally dyed (or better yet, eco-printed) garment. Your environmental footprint will be ever so slightly diminished and you will be contributing to a growing movement against harmful chemicals. Let's become a little more green everyday.
Follow this link for some eco-printed, 100 percent organic cotton, hand-painted infant clothing I am working on. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Littleborganics?ref=l2-shopheader-name
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