The “Fabric” of Allergic Responses – Your Health Detective

I don’t know about you but I’m reacting to a bio-based processed textile made from reconstituted cellulose from the beech tree. It is used in outer clothing, underwear, towels, bath robes, upholstery, bedding, and also combined with cotton, spandex and other textiles. I’m getting more and more calls from patients following my lead for effective “detective work” in finding the “clues” to their sudden-onset symptoms back to Modal. Click here to continue reading…

Modal is considered a type of rayon. Rayon is made from wood pulp of various trees. Modal, on the other hand, is made strictly from beechwood – considered bio-based rather than natural because, though the raw materials used to make it are natural, they are heavily processed with a variety of toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde when manufactured in some countries of origin.

What are the Advantages of Model?

Like rayon, it is soft, smooth and breathes well
Its texture is similar to cotton or silk
Its cool and very absorbent
Like cotton, it dyes easily and becomes color-fast
Its resistant to shrinkage
Less likely to fade or pill as a result of friction
Stays softer in hard water laundering
Drapes well and keeps its shape

What are its Reported Allergic Responses?

They are many. The following list is not complete but will give you an idea of what to watch for if sudden symptoms develop after wearing or being exposed to Modal.

Skin reactions (itching, blisters, hives, welts, etc.)
Headache accompanied with brain-fog
Swollen glands
Widespread muscle aches (not previously experienced)
Widespread muscle aches (previously existing such in fibromyalgia patients)
Disorientation
Respiratory symptoms (bronchitis, asthma-like symptoms, etc.)
Sinus infections

In Defense Of…

I’ve received posts from garmet manufacturers in Australia who want to clarify why they believe people are reacting to Modal. In Australia the laws are very strick as to what chemicals can be added to textiles. To their, and my, knowledge, there have been no reported incidents of allergic responses to Modal originating in Australia. However, the consenses is that the reactions are from the hundreds of chemicals that can legally be added in Modal woven in third-world countries. In order to insure you’re not getting chemical-laden Modal, read the label for country of origin.

It is a natural course of action for most third-world countries to use a variety of chemicals in their manufacturing that is legal in their country. One of the most frequently known chemical is formaldehyde. Keeping in mind that our skin is the largest organ of elimination AND absorption, why would you add chemicals that can be absorbed and cause wide-spread symptoms AND are known neurotoxins?

People just are not aware that the textile manufacturing industry uses up to 2000 different chemicals in processing the fabric – many of which are know to be harmful to humans. Try looking for anything certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or, in a pinch, Oeko Tex 100, both of which certify that no chemicals known to be harmful to humans have been used on the fabric.

I can already hear you saying, “I already read food labels diligently, now clothing and textiles too?” Yes, unless you aren’t concerned with absorbing toxic chemcials through your skin. Would you go out and intentionally take nice deep breaths in an open field while pesticides are being dumped from a crop-duster? I don’t believe so. Why then would you lay on bedding breathing in toxins like formaldehye for roughly eight hours each night?

Using textiles that contain dangerous chemicals could be “weaving” a tangled web of invisible illnesses that are never connected to the original cause.

It’s now more important than ever to CARE about the fabric we expose ourselves to, including bedding, clothing, household furniture upholstery, window coverings, and yes, even those scarfs around our necks to keep us warm on chilly days, naturally.

Your Health Detective:

Uncovering Clues to Add LIFE to Your Years…NOT Merely Years to Your Life, Naturally

Dr. Gloria Gilbère (aka Dr. G), N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D.,

EcoErgonomist, Wholistic Rejuvenist

Creator of certificated courses to become a Wholistic Rejuvenist™ (CWR) and for post-graduate education for health professionals. Go to www.gloriagilbere.com and click on Wholistic Skin & Body Rejuvenation (WSBR™) for course outline. Available on-site at worldwide locations, and via distance-learning at your convenience globally.