Q&A on Sportswear Fabrics: Knowledge, Composition, and Safety

1. Q: What fabrics are commonly used in sportswear?

A: Common fabrics include polyester, nylon, spandex/elastane, and functional blends. These materials are quick-drying, stretchable, and body-fitting, making them suitable for active performance.

2. Q: Which harmful substances are often found in fabric production?
A: Two notable harmful chemicals are:
(1) Azo dyes

Widely used to produce bright red, yellow, and blue shades.

Improperly processed azo dyes can release aromatic amines, some of which are considered carcinogenic. Disperse dyes like Blue 106 and 124 can also trigger allergic contact dermatitis. The EU has banned azo dyes releasing 22 specific amines, and restrictions also exist in the U.S. (allergystandards.com, textilefocus.com).

(2) Formaldehyde

Commonly applied in finishing processes (anti-wrinkle, anti-bacterial, bleaching, and color fixation).

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause respiratory irritation, worsen asthma, and lead to skin reactions such as dermatitis or allergies (lydiadupree.com).

Other concerns include:

• PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Used for water, oil, and stain resistance; highly persistent in the environment, bioaccumulative, and potentially carcinogenic (earthday.org, ft.com).

• Phthalates & Bisphenols: Plasticizers found in synthetic fabrics; sweat can accelerate their leaching into the skin, with possible endocrine-disrupting effects (anti-a.org, theguardian.com).

3. Q: Why are these substances especially concerning?

A:

• Skin absorption risk: Sportswear is tight-fitting and sweat-prone. Sweat accelerates the leaching of chemicals like phthalates, bisphenols, and flame retardants into the skin (anti-a.org, theguardian.com).

• Long-term health effects: Risks include allergies, dermatitis, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and cancer (earthday.org, allergystandards.com, lydiadupree.com, theguardian.com).

• Environmental and supply chain issues: Toxic dye wastewater pollutes rivers and soils, harming ecosystems and nearby communities (goodonyou.eco, europarl.europa.eu).

SAINIYA’s Correct Approach

Visit sainiya.com for more details. SAINIYA takes proactive steps to eliminate harmful substances and ensure skin-safe, sustainable sportswear:

Green Chemical Management

Strictly bans azo dyes releasing aromatic amines, formaldehyde, PFAS, and similar toxins.

Enforces Restricted Substances Lists (RSL/MRSL) across the entire supply chain.

Certified Safe Fabrics

Uses Oeko-Tex Standard 100, GOTS, and Bluesign certified textiles, free from harmful residues like formaldehyde, heavy metals, and phthalates (en.wikipedia.org, allergystandards.com, ft.com).

Ensures garments are safe for direct skin contact (Oeko-Tex Class I & II).

 

Eco-friendly Fiber Choices

Prioritizes organic cotton, lyocell (Tencel), and hemp over heavy synthetics.

For stretch fabrics, uses verified safe alternatives to reduce risks from isocyanates or urethane (tripulse.co).

Rigorous Testing & Transparency

Regular chemical safety testing (e.g., Oeko-Tex STeP, Made in Green).
Supply chain transparency via QR codes or tracking systems (en.wikipedia.org).

Reduced Residue & Consumer Guidance
Minimizes finishing agents to lower chemical residues.
Advises customers to rinse new garments before first wear and provides long-term care guides.

Quick Recap (Q&A Table)

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✅ Conclusion: Sportswear fabrics may involve hidden chemical risks, but through strict chemical bans, certified safe materials, eco-friendly fibers, and transparent testing, SAINIYA ensures healthier and safer sportswear for both people and the planet.