Is Polyester Carcinogenic? The Truth About Polyester and Your Health | Greyn

 

Polyester is everywhere — from T-shirts to bedsheets to athletic wear. It’s cheap, durable, and easy to produce. But have you ever wondered what polyester really is and whether it’s safe for your skin and health?

At Greyn, we believe what you wear matters — not just for comfort, but for your well-being and the planet. Let’s explore the truth about polyester and why bamboo cotton is a safer, cleaner alternative.

1. What Is Polyester Made Of?

Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum-based chemicals, primarily ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.
Together, they form polyethylene terephthalate (PET) — the same plastic used in bottles and packaging.

While polyester is technically stable once manufactured, the production process often involves chemicals linked to health risks:

• Antimony trioxide: a catalyst in polyester production, classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B).
• Formaldehyde-based coatings: used to make fabrics wrinkle-free or water-resistant. Prolonged exposure can irritate skin and airways.
• Synthetic dyes and solvents: may contain heavy metals or aromatic amines associated with long-term toxicity.

So while polyester itself isn’t directly labeled as carcinogenic, the chemicals used to make it can be harmful — especially when manufacturing standards are poor.

2. Can Polyester Affect Your Skin?

In hot and humid climates like India, polyester’s downsides become more obvious. It’s non-breathable, traps heat, and doesn’t absorb sweat — creating a breeding ground for bacteria and irritation.

Common skin issues linked to polyester:

• Itching, rashes, or allergic reactions.
• Odor retention due to poor ventilation.
• Increased irritation in sensitive or acne-prone skin.

The problem isn’t just comfort — it’s exposure. Sweat and friction can release trace chemicals from dyes and finishes, increasing skin contact risk over time.

3. The Hidden Danger: Microplastics

Each time you wash polyester, it releases hundreds of thousands of microplastic fibers into the water system. These tiny plastics pollute oceans, enter the food chain, and are now being found in human blood and lungs.

While scientists are still studying the long-term effects, early evidence suggests these particles can cause inflammation and potential DNA damage — both risk factors for chronic diseases, including cancer.

4. Why Bamboo Cotton Is Safer and Smarter

Natural fabrics like bamboo cotton don’t just feel better — they’re safer, biodegradable, and toxin-free.

Benefits of bamboo cotton:

• Made from renewable, chemical-free bamboo plants.
• Naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic.
• Breathable and moisture-wicking — perfect for Indian weather.
• No microplastics, no petroleum, no toxic dyes.

At Greyn, every T-shirt is made with bamboo-cotton fabric, designed for clean comfort and conscious living.

5. The Final Verdict: Is Polyester Carcinogenic?

Polyester itself is not officially listed as a carcinogen, but its production, additives, and environmental impact pose serious long-term risks.
The smarter, safer choice is to move toward natural, plant-based fabrics that are kind to both your skin and the planet.

🌿 Choose Better. Choose Greyn.

Because the world doesn’t need more synthetic clothes — it needs better basics, worn with intention.