Unveiling 'Toxic Fashion': Nylon

In my previous post, I explored the health and environmental effects of polyester and acrylic fabrics. Today, let’s take a closer look at another toxic material commonly found in fashion: nylon.

Nylon might sound like a futuristic, lightweight, and durable textile — and it is. But what lies behind this shiny, stretchy fabric is far from eco-chic. From its synthetic roots to its significant impact on human health and the environment, nylon is a poster child for toxic fashion.

WHAT IS NYLON?

Nylon is a synthetic polymer originally developed by DuPont in the 1930s. It was the first commercially successful synthetic fiber and quickly replaced silk in stockings and parachutes during World War II. Today, it's used in everything from sportswear and swimsuits to lingerie and raincoats.

THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF NYLON

• Chemical Synthesis: Nylon is made through a process called polymerization, where petroleum-based chemicals like adipic acid and hexamethylene diamine are combined under high heat and pressure to form a molten substance.

• Extrusion into Fibers: The molten nylon is then extruded through spinnerets to form long threads, which are cooled, stretched, and wound onto spools.

• Finishing Treatments: These fibers are often treated with chemical dyes, flame retardants, waterproofing agents, and softeners — many of which are toxic and non-biodegradable. 

  
  

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF NYLON 

While nylon may look sleek, its environmental footprint is anything but clean. Nylon production is energy-intensive. It generates nitrous oxide, a gas 300 times more potent than CO₂. Chemical runoff from dyeing and finishing processes pollutes waterways and harms aquatic life. Microfibers from nylon garments enter oceans through washing machines, contributing to the microplastic crisis. Nylon does not break down easily in the environment. A single garment can persist in landfills for decades to centuries. Moreover, as a petroleum-derived product, nylon supports continued fossil fuel extraction and industrial chemical use (Burkhart et al., 1999; Zheng et al., 2022; Albarano et al., 2024).

HEALTH EFFECTS ON NYLON 

Wearing nylon may not seem risky — but the hidden dangers go deeper than you think:

• Skin Irritation: Nylon doesn’t allow the skin to breathe, trapping moisture and creating the perfect environment for irritation, rashes, or fungal infections.

• Toxic Chemical Exposure: Nylon clothing may cause endocrine disruption, cancer, and allergic reactions (Alijagic et al., 2024).

• Respiratory Issues & Indoor Air Pollution: Nylon emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during manufacturing and even off-gassing from new clothes, contributing to indoor air pollution and respiratory stress (Warheit et al., 2001; Song et al., 2024).

SAFER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO NYLON 

There are healthier, more eco-friendly options for fashion lovers.

• Organic Cotton: Soft, breathable, and biodegradable. Free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers

• Hemp: Naturally resistant to pests and requires little water. Strong, durable, and breathable

• Linen: Made from flax, highly sustainable. Naturally antibacterial and biodegradable.

HOW TO MAKE BETTER FASHION CHOICES 

To make better fashion choices, start by reading clothing labels carefully and avoiding garments that contain nylon, polyamide, or other synthetic blends. Instead, opt for natural, breathable fabrics made from plant-based materials whenever possible. Prioritize quality over quantity by choosing well-made, timeless pieces rather than falling into the trap of fast fashion trends. It's also important to support ethical brands that are committed to sustainability, transparency, and environmentally responsible practices throughout their supply chains.

CONCLUSION 

Nylon may be durable and stretchy, but its cost to human health and the environment is far too high. As we peel back the layers of toxic fashion, it becomes clear that every clothing choice is a vote — for a healthier body, cleaner planet, and a more ethical industry. Fortunately, we have better options. So swap the synthetics, embrace the natural. Your skin (and the Earth) will thank you.

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REFERENCES

Albarano L, Maggio C, La Marca A, Iovine R, Lofrano G, Guida M, Vaiano V, Carotenuto M, Pedatella S, Spica VR, Libralato G. Risk assessment of natural and synthetic fibers in aquatic environment: A critical review. Sci Total Environ. 2024 Jul 15;934:173398.

Alijagic A, Kotlyar O, Larsson M, Salihovic S, Hedbrant A, Eriksson U, Karlsson P, Persson A, Scherbak N, Färnlund K, Engwall M, Särndahl E. Immunotoxic, genotoxic, and endocrine disrupting impacts of polyamide microplastic particles and chemicals. Environ Int. 2024 Jan;183:108412.

Burkhart J, Piacitelli C, Schwegler-Berry D, Jones W. Environmental study of nylon flocking process. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 1999 May 14;57(1):1-23.

Song S, van Dijk F, Vasse GF, Liu Q, Gosselink IF, Weltjens E, Remels AHV, de Jager MH, Bos S, Li C, Stoeger T, Rehberg M, Kutschke D, van Eck GWA, Wu X, Willems SH, Boom DHA, Kooter IM, Spierings D, Wardenaar R, Cole M, Nawijn MC, Salvati A, Gosens R, Melgert BN. Inhalable Textile Microplastic Fibers Impair Airway Epithelial Differentiation. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2024 Feb 15;209(4):427-443.

Warheit DB, Hart GA, Hesterberg TW, Collins JJ, Dyer WM, Swaen GM, Castranova V, Soiefer AI, Kennedy GL Jr. Potential pulmonary effects of man-made organic fiber (MMOF) dusts. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2001 Nov;31(6):697-736.

Zheng X, Liu X, Zhang L, Wang Z, Yuan Y, Li J, Li Y, Huang H, Cao X, Fan Z. Toxicity mechanism of Nylon microplastics on Microcystis aeruginosa through three pathways: Photosynthesis, oxidative stress and energy metabolism. J Hazard Mater. 2022 Mar 15;426:128094.