The following Q&A was published in the Wall Street Journal last month:
Q: Do you have any information about the hazards of red dye in clothes? I love red and over the past year I purchased two red blouses and a red turtleneck from a middle-market women's store under their own label. Even though I have washed the garments several times, they continue to bleed red dye onto my bras. The worse thing is that I got a rash under my arms from wearing the red turtleneck. Are these red dyes a health threat? Should I start wearing blue?
—C.H.A: It sounds like you may be experiencing "textile dye dermatitis" -- an allergic reaction to the dye, or possibly to the resin used in finishing the fabric. Such irritations are generally worse in spots where there's perspiration and the fabric rubs against your skin.
Allergic reactions to dyes are highly individual and relatively rare, though some dermatologists think they may be underreported. The most common reactions have been to "dispersal" dyes, a form that tends to rub off easily and is frequently used on polyester and other synthetic fabrics. Blue isn't necessarily safer.
In fact, more allergic reactions have been reported with blue dyes than red -- particularly Disperse Blue 106 and 124. A 1995 review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology noted that a variety of other blues, browns, yellows, reds and oranges had been known to cause skin sensitivity as well, including Basic Red 46, Supramine Red and Neutrichrome Red.
There are more than 1,000 different dye pigments, and it's generally impossible to know what dyes are used in the clothing you purchase. But if you are sensitive to one you may be sensitive to others as well. Allergy experts say you can reduce the likelihood of skin irritations if you stick with natural fibers rather than synthetics. If you do encounter a skin irritation, try an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or see a dermatologist.
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Granted, the answer notes the rareness of allergic reactions to clothing dye, but it is also notes that there are more than 1,000 different dye pigments. No one would want to subject a child or infant to an allergy test with this many variables - you would need to determine a child's clothing allergies through experiment.
Or - you can skip the experiment and simply use organic kids clothing and all natural baby clothes.
All natural baby clothing is made without chemical dyes or harsh bleaches, providing a product that is allergy free and non-harmful to your loved ones.
Depending upon how much you normally spend on kids' clothing, organic clothing may not cost any more than you are already spending, and it will give you something priceless: peace of mind.
