Fabric Allergies
- According to DermNet, if your skin reacts with dermatitis, it can be treated with topical corticosteroids and emollients.
- Formaldehyde resins are used on fabrics because they create some of the specialized easy-care characteristics preferred by modern consumers.
- Formaldehyde polymers make fabrics resistant to wrinkles and shrinking. They allow the fabric to take color (dye) more easily and resist fading. They are used for waterproofing and stain resistance.
- Highly treated clothing is labeled permanent press; waterproof; perspiration-proof; chlorine-resistant; moth-proof or mildew resistant; or as having anti-cling, anti-static, anti-wrinkle and anti-shrink finishes. Anything made from suede or chamois is treated with formaldehyde resins.
- Some people can smell the resin in clothing and other items. There is a distinctive sweet odor, especially when a fabric has been heavily treated. If the clothing is "finished," it can also feel stiff and look shiny.
- Wear clothing that is known for being only lightly treated with resins, including 100 percent cotton, polyester, nylon and acrylic. Machine-wash all clothing and bedding before use. Look at labels.
Treatment
Function of Resins
Formaldehyde Polymers
Highly Treated Fabrics
Detection
Recommendations
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