What's Wrong with Washable Wool?Almost all anti-felting (the process that stops wool from shrinking) is accomplished today using what is known as the Chlorine-Hercosett process. The process removes the scales of the natural wool fibers and creates a modified smooth synthetic-type fiber by using a strongly acidic chlorine solution followed by a polymer resin. This method has two dimensions that concern us: individual health risks and environmental degradation. In addition, the textile industry consumes a high level of water for their various processes. Personal Health Risks The body absorbs chlorine gas when small amounts pass through the skin and lungs. Chlorine levels in the range of 0.01-0.019 parts per million can be discerned by most noses, but it is our opinion that risks from inhalation are present when even low-level, long-term exposures are considered. As stated by OMI president Walt Bader in his book Sleep Safe in a Toxic World, our philosophy has always been to avoid as many products as possible that cause potential chemical exposure. Ecological Risks Machine-washable wool may sound great, but we have seen no consumer information that establishes that long-term exposure to these products is without risk. |