Polyester – Safe or Not?
Recently, I came across some scary information on polyester. Originally, I discovered that information on the Firefly Diaper website, but then I noticed it was also up on the Diaper Pin site here.
The information in the article that concerned me the most was that polyester slowly emits endocrine disruptors which can promote certain types of cancer. I’ve always believed that natural fibres were better for babies (and adults) however, polyester can be found in so many clothing items that it’s hard to think it might be harmful. I believed polyester was completely safe until my daughter started showing some sensitivity to the microfleece and suedecloth in her cloth diapers at 4 or 5 months of age. After that I became a little more cautious about using polyester clothing. That cautiousness lasted a few months until I needed some warm sleepers for my daughter. I decided to try fleece sleepers which are available everywhere. Finding sleepers made of natural fibres that fit a tall toddler is almost impossible. So, we tried fleece sleepers and my daughter hated them which did not surprise me because I do not like to sleep in fleece anything. I feel almost as if I was wrapped in a tight bag that wasn’t allowing much airflow. Even during the day, I have trouble wearing fleece tops.
So, is polyester safe or not? You decide…
I know I’ve been thinking a lot about this since you gave me the link the other day. I feel better about all my hemp, bamboo and cotton fitted diapers I’ve been getting lately, but even many fitted diapers use microfleece or other poly blends…it’s good information to make informed decisions when deciding though.
Since my daughter has been outgrowing her bamboo fitteds, I started using PUL and fleece covers quite a bit because they still fit her. After reading that article, I started working on some pinnable/snappiable bamboo diapers for my daughter almost right away hahaha.
I think I’d like to do some more research on that subject, but for now I’m definitely staying away from as much polyester as I can.
That’s interesting… I know Cub has some “sensitivity” issues to suedecloth but I’m keeping an eye on his bum bum with all the other diapers as well… Thanks for sharing!
Scary, I’d love to switch to all organic fabric and wool diaper covers!