1. Does wearing unwashed new clothes have any consequences?
New clothes are often perceived as clean, leading many to wear them before washing. However, wearing new clothes straight away can lead to issues such as itching, swelling, or even skin inflammation caused by formaldehyde.
2. Why do new clothes contain formaldehyde?
Manufacturers commonly incorporate formaldehyde into the dyeing and printing process of clothes to prevent wrinkles and maintain color. After application, formaldehyde binds to the fabric fibers. Prolonged skin exposure to formaldehyde can result in skin irritation, swelling, and more.
This chemical is water-soluble. In cases where individuals wear new clothes without washing them, free formaldehyde can dissolve into body sweat. Formaldehyde not only directly affects the body but also triggers allergies and diminishes visual acuity.