ALLERGY TO CLOTHING/FABRIC TREATMENTS AND FINISHES: WHERE TREATMENTS AND FINISHES ARE USED
The most common causes of reactions to chemical treatments and finishes are fabric resins applied to give easy-care properties. Other causes of reactions include fire retar-dants (applied to some night and workwear), and certain kinds of dyes, germicides and moth repellents. Some people are sensitive to bleached fabric even though the bleaches are very thoroughly washed out before finishing.
Starches and sizes are often applied to stiffen clothes when new. They are of a variety of chemicals – denim, for instance, often has com starch applied. Starches and sizes wash out readily, however, and should be well tolerated.
Some fabric treatments are generally not troublesome. ‘Mercerisation’, for instance, is a process whereby cotton is scoured with caustic soda. The soda is extremely thoroughly washed out, and should not be the cause of sensitivity.
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