Polyester has become one of the most commonly used materials in our daily lives. From clothes to blankets, its presence is hard to ignore. But this convenience comes at a huge cost to humanity and the environment. Before we delve into the details, take a moment:
Take Note
Look around you. Identify the items you own that are made of polyester. Your clothes, bedsheets, blankets, and even bags—how many of these are synthetic? Now, let’s understand why polyester is nothing less than a curse to humanity.
10 Reasons Why Polyester is a Curse to Humanity
1. Destruction of Traditional Livelihoods
In the past, people used cotton-filled razais (quilts), which not only kept them warm but also provided seasonal employment to workers who cleaned and maintained them. The rise of polyester has replaced this sustainable and community-driven tradition with mass-produced goods.
2. Polyester is Non-Biodegradable
Polyester is essentially plastic. It does not decompose and remains in the environment for hundreds of years, just like a discarded plastic bottle. This adds to the growing problem of waste and pollution.
3. Polyester Blankets Release Microplastics
Every time you wash polyester items, tiny plastic particles (microplastics) are released into the water. These particles travel through drains into rivers and oceans, polluting water bodies and harming marine life. Eventually, they find their way into the human food chain.
4. Disruption of the Body's Electrical Balance
Polyester generates static electricity, which can interfere with the body's natural energy field and disrupt its electrical system, including the seven chakras. This can cause instability, irritability, and stress.
5. Health Risks, Including Cancer
Long-term exposure to polyester has been linked to health risks such as skin irritation, respiratory issues, and cancer. Toxic chemicals and dyes used in its manufacturing release harmful substances over time.
6. Permanent Waste
Polyester products do not rot or degrade naturally. A single polyester blanket can last hundreds of years, making it a permanent waste item that contributes to landfill overflow.
7. Polyester is Just Plastic
Polyester is a byproduct of petroleum refining, the same process that creates plastics. It is a synthetic material that oil companies have cleverly marketed as a fabric to profit from their waste products.
8. Hidden Costs and Economic Deception
Polyester products cost very little to manufacture (as low as ₹100–₹150), but are sold at triple the price due to their "modern" designs and lightweight appeal. This economic cycle is designed to maximize profits while ignoring the environmental and health hazards they cause.
9. Fossil Fuel Dependency and Climate Change
Polyester production relies heavily on fossil fuels like petroleum. Supporting polyester products indirectly supports the oil industry, which is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
10. Polyester Pollutes Rivers and Ecosystems
The disposal and washing of polyester items contribute to the contamination of rivers with plastic pollutants. These toxins accumulate in aquatic ecosystems, harming biodiversity and disrupting natural balance.
Additional Concerns About Polyester
Biodegradation and Environmental Concerns
Polyester-based products, such as the Futuro houses made from fiberglass-reinforced polyester plastic, have been found to degrade over time due to biological activity. Cyanobacteria and Archaea have been observed breaking down these polyester materials, raising concerns about the long-term environmental impact.
Cross-Linking and Chemical Concerns
Polyesters, especially unsaturated types, are thermosetting polymers. The cross-linking process involves a reaction with vinyl monomers, which creates a 3D structure resistant to melting. The use of organic peroxides in this process raises concerns over the release of hazardous substances, which may contribute to pollution.
Pollution of Freshwater and Seawater Habitats
Studies conducted by Plymouth University revealed that washing polyester blends releases vast quantities of microfibers into freshwater and seawater habitats. On average, a 6 kg washing load can release hundreds of thousands of fibers from polyester fabrics, contributing to microplastic pollution in the environment.
Safety Concerns: Fertility
Research by Ahmed Shafik, who won an Ig Nobel Prize, highlighted the effects of polyester on fertility. Studies on rats, dogs, and even humans have shown that polyester exposure can adversely affect reproductive health.
Endocrine Disruptors: Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, may be used in the synthesis of polyester, further raising concerns about the material’s impact on human health.
Recycling and Sustainability
While polyester is one of the most recycled plastics, the environmental cost of its production and disposal remains high. Recycling polyester is possible through mechanical and chemical methods, but its widespread use continues to contribute to growing plastic waste. Studies show that global plastic waste could almost triple by 2060 if current trends continue.
The Dark History of Polyester
The origin of polyester is a tale of corporate greed and exploitation, spearheaded by the "evil demons" of the chemical and petroleum industries. In 1926, DuPont, a U.S.-based corporation, began its research into synthetic fibers, leading to the creation of nylon under the guidance of Wallace Carothers. However, polyester, a material much like plastic, was developed when the International General Electric company patented it in Britain in 1928.
Despite its incomplete research, Carothers' work sparked the creation of synthetic fibers, culminating in the later developments by British scientists Whinfield and Dickson, who patented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in 1941. This material eventually gave rise to the polyester fibers we know today, as well as popular brands like Dacron and Terylene.
In 1946, DuPont, in a strategic business move, purchased all legal rights to the polyester patents from Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), solidifying its control over the manufacturing of synthetic fibers and making polyester a cornerstone of the textile industry. What started as an innocuous scientific discovery turned into a global-scale business empire, with corporations profiting from the synthetic materials that continue to harm our environment and health today.
How You Can Help: Alternatives to Polyester
- Switch to Cotton or Wool: Natural fibers like cotton and wool are biodegradable, breathable, and safer for your health.
- Support Local Crafts: Invest in traditional cotton razais and handwoven blankets. These are sustainable, durable, and support local artisans.
- Buy Less, Wash Less: Reduce your reliance on polyester by choosing fewer, higher-quality natural fiber items.
Take Action Today
Polyester is not just a fabric—it’s a pollutant, a health hazard, and a contributor to global environmental decline. By saying no to polyester, we can:
- Protect our health from harmful chemicals and static electricity.
- Reduce microplastic pollution in rivers and oceans.
- Support sustainable, biodegradable materials like cotton and wool.
- Revive traditional, eco-friendly livelihoods.
Conclusion
Polyester may seem convenient and affordable, but the damage it causes far outweighs the benefits. It’s time to reject polyester and return to sustainable living. Let’s embrace materials that respect our health, our planet, and our traditions.
Further Reading and References are listed in the wiki page:
Let’s say no to polyester. For a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future, make the change today.
Thank you.
Notes:
- I have used GPT4o, to properly format the blog post, to ease the reading experience.
- This article, is not written by AI, it just formatted it, because I am lazy to proofread.
- Links to all the scientific evidence have been updated.
