The Silent Scandal of Chemicals in Clothing (with Alden Wicker) | Change Agents #37

Today on Change Agents, Andy Stumpf sits down with journalist Alden Wicker for a conversation about the link between our clothes, toxic chemicals, and your health.
Alden is a journalist and author who has written investigative pieces for outlets including Wired, The New York Times, Inc. Magazine, Popular Science, Craftsmanship Quarterly, Vox and others. Her reporting specializes in issues in the fashion industry and her latest book is called To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick - and How We Can Fight Back.
The book is a startling investigation into how chemicals and materials used by many clothing brands can actually make the people who wear them very sick. She is also the founder of a website called EcoCult, that tracks and reports on sustainable fashion.
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[@thisisironclad]

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[@barnrazedbyjesse6893]

Men don't put their health, long term or otherwise into perspective when evaluating the monetary value of a skill or service they perform. From years of autobody repair , my grandfather died early of lung cancer and my father suffers from painter's lung. Welders and painters are known for susceptibility to these carcinogens. The sensitivities are not limited to airways but, are encapsulated throughout the blood stream and cell structure. Severe allergic reactions can occur to clothing, scents, dyes and chemicals. Thank you, for having the testicular fortitude for sharing a topic your regular followers might scoff at. It might just save theirs if they bend their ears to listen.

[@thisisironclad]

Thank you for sharing your personal experience and highlighting the importance of considering the long-term health impacts of certain professions. It's crucial to create awareness around these issues and take steps to protect ourselves. Thanks for watching Jesse!

[@tusharin1984]

As much as I love the performance fabrics I realized this a while back and started switching to organic cotton for my underwear

[@mp602]

This is such an underrated topic that is so important. Occupational environmental hazards are silently killing so many workers, but no one recognizes this is happening and corporations turn a blind eye. I’m sorry about your losses.

[@Rick-xt2cz]

I have been using an iron to crease my clothes since I was 15-16yo. The last 10years or so using a steam iron to press cheap cost clothing from overseas; the chemical stench emanating from the cloth after hitting it with the steam setting has been increasingly caustic and disturbing......

[@ViewerAnna]

Thank you for sharing that! That's really serious.

[@teresastratton5491]

I worked at a major manufacturing company that supplies the insulation in all major auto makers .Recycled clothing is how it is made .So your breathing chemicals as you drive also

[@thequarantinecatholic]

I hope she expands her research to include new buildings "gas off" of items like carpet and furniture. My face breaks out in hives from new construction in some buildings. The, I wheeze and cannot breath. She should also write about "sick building syndrome." [older buildings with mold, etc.] What a wonderful journalist. Thank you for covering this topic!!!

[@christinewoodland5127]

Yes! 100000000 times YES! I don’t know if this fits into her genra but this definitely needs more attention.

[@mp602]

As a flight attendant, this conversation is so very welcomed. We’ve been gaslighted at every turn while people have suffered life-changing sicknesses from permanent hair loss, to cancers and multiple cancers, and those who became disabled and had to retire after flying for 25, 30, 35 years. It’s disgusting that they can do this and get away with it.

[@jonaswatson533]

If it is like this with clothing, what is it like with out furniture, car interiors, beds, curtains, blankets, sheets, pillow cases, carpet, rugs etc?

[@mp602]

Oh, it’s bad! It’s worse! And we sleep on these things for hours at a time, ingesting the toxins. What a toxic world we live in!

[@haurakinaturally7836]

This makes a damn good case to reeducate and persuade society to accept the fact that clothes are really needed only for protection, if and when necessary. If you're stuck in a prudish mindset of body-shame, fine - go ahead and wear your toxic clothes! Otherwise, break out of that mindless silliness and ditch the clothes whenever you can!

[@camwhiteastro]

Super stoked to listen to this. I’ve been really into sustainable living and getting rid of chemicals in my life, but as I’ve gotten into the prepping world, I’ve wondered how many of these military guys are into it too and it felt hopless cuz it’s soooo littered in plastics & other garbage. So glad this is being discussed on this type of channel!

[@tonyking313]

When I first learned about the dangers of Teflon and then found out about PFC's in Gore-tex I began the hunt to eliminate that product from all my gear. The thought of hourse spent in the mountains for, in part, the health benefit and finding that we are wearing stuff that will put toxins into our bodies is sickening. IAs a huge fan of Patagonia I really began to stick with their clothing as well, This video scares me. I haven't done enough and need to go further.

[@deaguirrrock]

If you're in the desert, some things like tough ripstop is useful because of all the prickly and pikey things.... so don't get rid of all of it. But go back to basics where you can. Cotton/organic cotton, linen, and wool. And leather, vegetable tanned not chrome tanned. So tee shirts, get cotton ones. Under shirts and under garments, cotton. Wool for winter. Linen for summer (tees/pants mostly). Lowering the load is the goal, a whole replacement, you'll go crazy 😅 do what you can and good luck!

[@joecpluck2336]

This is one of the best podcast! I try not to miss any of the episodes. Keep up the great work gentlemen and ladies.

[@thisisironclad]

It means the world to us that you enjoy the series and make it a priority to tune in Joe. We truly appreciate your kind words and will continue to deliver engaging content! 💪

[@zacharyfindlay-maddox171]

This is hard hitting!! Thank you making this video! Our health is our greatest asset.

[@dont.ripfuller6587]

I know that replacing "fabric softner" with white vinegar keeps my clothes soft, makes the clothing come out cleaner and bonus- cleans out the sludge buildup in the washer. Fabric softner and dryer sheets are bull 💩.

[@deaguirrrock]

Yep. And dryer sheets' residue can coat the sensors in the dryer and make the dryer run longer as if the clothes are not dry yet!

[@justinjohnson5049]

What should i look for? Cotton? Polyester? Where are these chemicals most present

[@ViewerAnna]

Thank you, Alden and Andy! Alden - please do both books you're considering - toxins in the home and chemical sensitivities. Both would be great services to those of us with invested interests in facing these facts honestly in order for ourselves, family members, and pets to be healthier.

[@Shackleford_Rusty]

Honestly I did not think I would care as much as I do about this.. great show.

[@thisisironclad]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the show and that it resonated with you! 💪

[@reaganbarrett213]

Looking at this concerning baby products right now. So much to think about from what’s in the materials to whether or not forgoing flame-retardants is worth the trade safetywise. Good stuff!

[@deaguirrrock]

I always had a problem with "safe for children's sleepwear" fabrics that I noticed at the fabric store. Cottons burn, yes, but these polyester microfibre and other super soft polyesters that are safe for sleepwear, melt. Literally melt! I remember when the drummer for My Chemical Romance was hospitalized on a tour because just before the tour, they filmed a music video where the stage had flames behind it. His pants melted to his leg and caused an infection later (he ignored it to go on tour til he couldn't....) but since then, I've tried to minimize as much polyesters just because I don't want them melting to me in case of a fire. Cotton and linens are recommended as much as possible!

[@aarongouine-yb6yc]

More people need to watch your show brotha ! discovered the channel a couple days ago and definitely hooked

[@internet_internet]

Well, I guess Gandhi was right. Cotton home-spun it is. How sad that seemingly almost everything in our modern society is bad for our health…

[@aaronthompson192]

Military uniforms - often wondered about the chemicals involved. They were treated with pesticides and God knows what else. Could this also contribute to the emotional/physical effects from service and the high suicide rate?

[@peytonedwards4225]

That and the 50 other things they try to downgrade civilians with

[@CMp-bq1bj]

Permethrin. When you have to fill out a injury report if it gets on your skin but I just soaked my Cbts in that stuff wtf we doing here?

[@aaronthompson192]

@@CMp-bq1bj Seriously. They think soldiers are too stupid to use bug spray when they need it so you get to wear it everyday all the time. I'd like to talk to the colonel that came up with that idea.

[@CMp-bq1bj]

My favorite was the 90% deet that made your skin tingle. Also figured out it was a really good paint and gasket remover.

[@SpartakMs83]

New favorite podcast hands down

[@maggyfrog]

why the hell is this channel only at 67k subs?

[@thisisironclad]

💪

[@jimbeck8370]

At 30:30 there’s a glitch that omits most her saying what sounds like not or never in reference to not shopping for fast fashion

[@georgevavoulis4758]

I remember working as a busser at a hotel in 1980s, the uniforms are like sandpaper wrapped in plastic

[@lindseyfrazier3298]

People with an MTHFR gene mutation will want to listen to this, as that situation will make them more susceptible to issues with these chemicals.

[@MatthewRoss-wf9db]

Who remembers the toxic hurricane Katrina campers?

[@justin8865]

Bro you gotta come out pfas free rash gaurds now. This was excellent

[@simplesimon4957]

I wonder about police, fire, and military uniforms? It use to be cotton and natiral dye. It wool and natural dye Silh and natural dye The nylon comes out

[@stephenabril7084]

The company being accused of having all these chemicals in their clothing Can Not be the one testing the clothing!!!

[@georgevavoulis4758]

We need more investigation into these matters and forget about Climate Change BS

[@TheKAWYG]

O ffs andy now I can't wear my pants?? FUCQ . lol

[@sentfromdaniel]

I was crawling in an attic the other day that just got a “new blown insulation”… Homeowner told me it has bug killer in it. I’m sure I’ll be dying early because of TAP and everything else I’ve crawled around in since entering “the trades”. And I’m an electrician. 😂

[@billbradleymusic]

It's not funny. I'd laughed as a younger man as well. Something about being young.. sincerely, 2x melanoma survivor, probably going for 3. Wish me luck.

[@craigfinno551]

This is what happens when we outsource our goods to a foreign enemy

[@travistucker7317]

It's really like our entire surrounding world is compromised, no matter where you look.

[@IntuitionRising]

To a foreign enemy that makes our food, food packaging, vitamins, teas, undergarments ,shoes, clothing, storage, bedding, shower curtains, pet beds, children clothes and toys, body lotion, shampoo, soap, FN everything!

[@paulc8588]

Very interesting

[@Jeff11776]

Always hated the smell of new clothes. Had to wash them before I would wear them. Don't know if that helped.

[@larryapl]

I was warned awhile back about fabrics. I always wash new clothing before I wear it.

[@johnnieblackburn3182]

I made clothing at home for many years for my family. I learned early that almost ALL fabrics are treated with a Scotchgard type chemical in the textile/fabric industry. This helps keep the fabrics from stain, mold, mildew, etc., during warehouse storage, manufacturing, transporting, etc. ALL clothing should be washed well before ever wearing it. Carpet and household items shampooed or cleaned safely. In short, if it is made or fashioned from fabric and fibers, consider your health and usage. I believe the woman's last name is Collins, but she has written several books on cancer and illnesses. She says, "the more civilized we live, the more we are exposed to dangerous cancer causing and health risk substances. I do not use fabric softeners or air fresheners, either.

[@georgevavoulis4758]

Thank you IRONCAD and host for telling us the real truth

[@santoscarrillo2996]

I've never heard of this before

[@7msjster]

Sadguru says we should not wear other peoples clothing especially of the dead. Energy stays with the clothing. I resist clothing made in China or any wear made in China. Prefer India, Bangladesh, Vietnam...It's probably bad too but at least feels more organic. I was shopping today at the local box stores. Fashion sucks right now. I don't usually have trouble finding my daughter cute clothes that she loves and it just hasn't happened this year...She is getting cooking accessories instead...

[@KRN740]

No iron shirts one of the worst

[@7msjster]

Clothing starts with bolts of fabric. Can the chemicals used for each run be isolated for just that particular run? If it's going into the recipe it seems it should be also written down. Interesting topic. Thank You.

[@therevealing-studiesfromli4419]

What about DRYER SHEETS? All I have to do is SMELL one for a moment and I will get a Migraine within minutes...

[@brysoncherry9884]

That's all chemical cleaners bud. Ever smelled a bottle of fabuluso. Instant migraine.

[@larryapl]

Excellent and informative. But I can't throw out all my clothes or become a chemistry expert. Thanks.

[@deaguirrrock]

Just do what you can. Start checking clothing labels and get 100% cotton or maybe 90% if there is spandex or elastane for stretchiness. Just start going forward, the next time you buy jeans, tee shirts, sheets, etc. As you replace things, just avoid polyester and synthetics as much as possible. Go for cotton, linen, wool, and leather.

[@veritas6466]

I’m sure the Permethrin in my BDU’s won’t care any issues.

[@johnspinelli8835]

Also with all the face masks from china during Covid. I immediately thought of the chemical and micro particles in them being breathed by us. Most people would use 2-3 a day.

[@4514rooster]

Does washing them before wearing help? I have gotten a couple items recently that had a chemical smell.

[@georgevavoulis4758]

And was about to make my own clothing 😮😢

[@mikejarves7611]

Friend or foe or business partner or spouse he doesn’t care. Origin needs show that they are pure.

[@spencertaylor30]

This is interesting, with every problem there is an opportunity. I see 3. One a testing and certification organization non profit, that gets paid to test and certify clothing with a grade system, and donates profits to new research to map out new dangers or solutions in the industry. Second a company specializing in natural and safe profomance materials, and third a company specializing in natural and safe dyes and coatings. This type of content has been done in documentary form for food and other industries, I feel you could easily produce one for this problem and gain more awareness. Thanks for the information and inspiration.

[@RedRideRVT1R]

what about a solution to what is already out there and safely discarding that toxic material out of circulation and keeping it from polluting

[@kathleenlewis1954]

😮

[@phoenixthephlame3558]

So is dry-fit bad?

[@rpg_8984]

I wonder about FR Clothing?

[@lukeskywalkerlucasfilm]

Why do ALL New Jeans 👖 Stink 🤭 so bad!!!! 🤔

[@tusharin1984]

So basically, cotton, wool, linen, alpaca, merino wool…got It

[@Tier5078]

🇺🇸💪

[@user-zb2un4ej4w]

Who keeps turnin that music on

[@fergusonlandmanagementweld1039]

Good interview, but the up-talk is hard to over look once you notice it.

[@veritas6466]

Actually people can eat poison ivy!

[@justin8865]

One more comment lol. The skeptic in mean asks what dosage of these chemicals is actually harmful and does joe scmoe carry that dosage around?

[@ppawtallywacker9982]

where is the link to the clean products? are you going to stop selling plastic clothing?

[@weaverjoshuab]

Too many ads bro

[@skipdegraff6547]

The Bible says certain things about clothing. That Bible has ALL THE ANSWERS

[@justin8865]

Oh boy why do i feel like this is gunna be some fitness bullshit. Guess i gotta just starve myself and run around naked. I josh i josh but youve head some weridos on latly hope you dont go the rogan path.

[@thisisironclad]

Haha, I get it! But don't worry, this video is not your typical fitness stuff.

[@justin8865]

@thisisironclad good to hear. Just lord help me I'm just so tired of the America bad everything's a conspiracy shit. I dunno what everyone's complaining about, I'm fucking grateful you know started at the bottom and now I'm good. Thanks to Uncle Sam. I hope we some gdamn moderates again. Rant over. Merry Christmas

[@MrAhoelzel]

& = ampersand. Where is that in the searchable name?