SENSITIVITY TO FIBRES: COTTON
As pure cotton, and in blends with synthetics, cotton is very widely used. Allergy to cotton is very rare, despite its wide exposure. It is a cellulose fibre, not a protein fibre like wool, and is hence less likely to provoke an allergic reaction. However, if a reaction does occur, it is the cotton flock – the small particles given off from the fibre – which causes reactions when inhaled. Some people allergic to cotton find they can tolerate it if they avoid very fibrous cotton, such as towelling, knitted cotton or cotton wadding.
When people react to cotton fabrics, it is often found that they are sensitive to resins applied to the fabric to give easy-care properties, rather than to the cotton itself. If you follow the guidelines for testing cotton in the Pillow Test, resins should not interfere with the test. They are not applied to cotton towels or blankets; and they are rarely or lightly applied to T-shirts and pillowcases. They are also usually washed out after several washes, so using a well-washed cloth for testing should prevent problems for even those highly sensitive to resins.
Always wash clothes or fabrics well before using. It may prevent any problem with chemical treatments unless you are highly sensitive.
Fabric resins are applied to furnishing fabrics as well as to clothing fabrics. In addition, pure cotton furnishing fabrics are often treated with fire-retardant chemicals to meet with fire regulations, and some have stain-protection chemicals applied as well. These chemicals may be responsible for apparent reactions to cotton.
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Tags: Allergies