Uh, There Could Be Toxins In Your Clothes

In today's edition of "creepy things you'd rather not think about," there could be thousands of toxins in your clothes right now. Like, right now. That neon green pajama shirt your mom bought you when she cruelly went on vacation without you? Probably filled with chemicals, so you have grounds to make your mom feel even guiltier for visiting the Grand Canyon without you. (Yes, this is from experience. No, I'm not bitter. I'm fine.)

According to a study from Stockholm University, the thousands of chemicals used to make clothing stick around long past their welcome. Researchers tested 60 different garments, and every single analysis turned up oodles of toxins — and yes, that includes supposedly "organic" clothes. Before you grab your pitchfork and go after any and all clothing manufacturers, though, there is a silver lining: The reality isn't quite as terrifying as it sounds. According to researchers, the majority of these chemicals increase the risk of conditions like dermatitis, aka irritated skin, and although allergic reactions are annoying beyond all reason, it's not exactly a death sentence.

However, researchers point out that it's not just our skin we have to worry about — there's also a little thing we like to call the environment. "More severe health effect for humans as well as the environment could possibly be related... Some of them are suspected or proved carcinogens and some have aquatic toxicity," Giovanna Luongo said, according to Science Daily.

When the scientists washed the clothes, for instance, some substances washed right off. That's great for the people wearing them, but it also means that the chemicals are most likely ending up in aquatic environments. While researchers write that we don't know the exact long-term effects of chemicals on the environment or people, chances are they're not exactly great for either one.

"Clothes are worn day and night during our entire life. We must find out if textile chemicals go into our skin and what it means to our health," researcher Conny Östman said.

OK, now you can grab your pitchforks and go after clothing manufacturers. Have fun!

Images: Pixabay; Giphy