Acrylic clothing is an affordable synthetic fiber made from polyacrylonitrile, a polymer derived from petroleum. It is widely used as a substitute for natural fibers like wool in sweaters, fleece, and knitwear due to its warmth and durability. Because of its synthetic nature, consumers often question the potential health and environmental trade-offs associated with wearing it.
Chemical Composition and Potential Skin Reactions
The core building block of acrylic fabric is polyacrylonitrile, synthesized from the monomer acrylonitrile. While the finished fabric is largely inert, manufacturing can leave trace amounts of residual chemicals. Acrylonitrile is classified by the IARC as possibly carcinogenic, though exposure from clothing is considered very low.
A more common concern is contact dermatitis (skin inflammation). The fiber itself is rarely the primary allergen, but acrylic’s non-porous structure traps heat and sweat against the skin. This trapped moisture can aggravate pre-existing skin conditions.
Chemical additives are a more significant factor in textile-related dermatitis. Dyes and finishing agents used for vibrant colors or wrinkle resistance are often the true irritants. These chemicals can leach out of the fibers when activated by sweat, causing allergic reactions such as a red, itchy rash.
Physical Comfort and Performance Issues
Acrylic’s molecular structure provides excellent insulation, making it a popular choice for cold-weather garments that mimic the warmth of wool. This insulating property effectively traps heat, keeping the wearer comfortable in lower temperatures.
The synthetic fibers possess low breathability, meaning they do not allow air and moisture vapor to pass through easily. When a person sweats, moisture is trapped between the skin and the fabric, leading to a damp, clammy feeling and potential odor buildup. This lack of moisture management makes pure acrylic unsuitable for high-activity or warm weather use.
The fabric also generates static electricity easily, which attracts lint and pet hair. Additionally, acrylic fibers are prone to pilling, where friction causes fibers to gather into small balls on the textile surface.
Environmental Impact and Flammability Risks
Acrylic is a fossil-fuel-based fiber, relying on petroleum extraction, which is energy-intensive and contributes to carbon emissions and environmental pollution. The fabric also causes microplastic pollution, shedding tiny fragments (microfibers) every time it is washed or worn.
Studies suggest acrylic fabrics can release a substantial quantity of these microfibers into the wastewater system, potentially shedding 1.5 times more than polyester. These microfibers are not fully filtered by wastewater treatment plants and pollute oceans, rivers, and the air, where they can be ingested by marine life.
Acrylic also poses a unique safety hazard due to its flammability. Unlike natural fibers that char, acrylic is highly flammable and melts at high temperatures. If an acrylic garment catches fire, the molten plastic can adhere to the skin, causing more severe burns.
Strategies for Wearing Acrylic Safely
Consumers can take several steps to mitigate potential issues associated with acrylic clothing. It is advisable to wash any new acrylic garment before wearing it to remove residual chemicals and manufacturing finishes, which reduces the concentration of potential skin irritants.
To enhance comfort, avoid wearing pure acrylic items as a base layer directly against the skin, especially during physical activity. Layering acrylic with natural, breathable fibers like cotton or wool can help manage moisture and reduce skin irritation. Acrylic is best reserved for casual, low-activity use in cold weather due to its low breathability.
To minimize environmental harm, adopt washing habits that reduce microplastic shedding:
- Wash acrylic garments less frequently.
- Use a cold-water setting.
- Employ specialized laundry bags designed to capture microfibers.
- Switch to a front-loading washing machine, which is generally gentler than top-loaders, to further reduce fiber release.