Who doesn’t love new clothes? They are so clean and crisp, or are they? Why should you wash new clothes before wearing them? Let’s find out.
It’s tempting to wear new clothes straight out of the bag, but a new investigation shows that this may not be the best idea.
Philip Tierno, Ph.D. director of Microbiology and Immunology at New York University conducted some tests that revealed some questionable compounds on new clothing.
Many clothing items also contain chemicals and dyes, that could pose health risks as well.
Dr. Tierno clothing items like pants, blouses, underwear, jackets and more from popular chain clothing stores. The tests found the following disturbing compounds:
. Respiratory secretions
. Skin flora
. Fecal flora
. Yeast
Intimates, swimwear, and underwear happened to be the most contaminated. Tierno told the following to ABC News:
“Some garments were grossly contaminated with many organisms … indicating that either many people tried it or … someone tried it on with heavy contamination …
In a sense, you are touching somebody’s arm pit or groin. So you want to be protected that’s all … You may not come down with anything and, most cases you don’t, but it’s potentially possible.”
So what can be transmitted through contaminated clothing? Bacteria and organisms that cause hepatitis A, traveler’s diarrhea, MRSA, salmonella, norovirus, yeast infections and streptococcus are potential risks.
Although catching any of these conditions from clothing is unlikely, it is all dependent on your immune system.
Tierno told Huffington Post:
“The good thing is that most people have a very robust immune system, so they can usually fight off the small number of organisms they may get on their body … The fact that you come into contact with one doesn’t mean you’re going to get sick.”
So why should you wash new clothes before wearing them? Our opinion is that it is better safe than sorry.
Don’t forget to use an environmentally friendly laundry detergent. We recommend ECOS from Earth Friendly Products.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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REFERENCES:
1. “The Importance of Washing New Clothes Before Wearing Them.” Mercola.com. Mercola.com, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2017.
2. “How Clean Are Your New Clothes? Find Out.” ABC News. ABC News Network, 07 Jan. 2010. Web. 22 Mar. 2017.
3. “The Gross Truth About Trying On A New Swimsuit.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 10 July 2014. Web. 22 Mar. 2017.
