Who doesn't enjoy shopping for new clothes? We all like to look our best and wrinkle free clothes are a great way to go. However, everyone should be aware that new clothes, towels or even sheets might contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. If you are subject to skin allergies, that new shirt could cause skin irritation, rashes, light headedness, and respiratory and other problems because some fabrics contained formaldehyde.

But why would anyone put formaldehyde on clothing? There are several reasons that manufacturers use formaldehyde. It is believed that some of the chemicals help keep the fabrics stain free, wrinkle free and disinfected. But more importantly, it should be made clear that formaldehyde is considered a carcinogen, a cancer causing agent.

Strangely enough, when clothes have a fresh, new scent to them, it's from the chemicals used during their manufacture. Some people have very sensitive skin and can break out in a rash from the formaldehyde and other chemicals without even realizing their rash is from the clothes. Therefore, all new clothing and fabrics in general should be washed prior to wearing or using them. Apparently one washing only gets rid of 60% of the formaldehyde, You can never get rid of all of it.

In clothing manufacturing formaldehyde is used because, in theory, when combined with urea it makes the clothing more wrinkle resistant, stain resistant, and is a disinfectant

Here's a list of eco-friendly fibres to look out for next time you're shopping for clothes, look out for clothes that are made from the following fibres (or other eco-friendly fibres):

Organic Cotton  grown organically (without pesticides )

Consider cotton: when you seek a comfortable cloth that will not irritate your skin . Cotton itself is considered a fabric that breathes , also allowing your skin breathing space. This is especially so if it is organic cotton, namely cotton that is not grown using pesticides, fertilizers and one that is not treated with any other chemicals but just grows using the natural elements.

Organic Wool is wool that has been produced in a way that is less harmful to the environment than non-organic wool.

Linen  that is made from flax fibre.

Ramie fibres   are one of the strongest natural fibres. Ramie can be up to 8 times stronger than cotton, and is even stronger when wet

Hemp  is an amazing natural fibre. Some say hemp could have 25,000 uses. Hemp provides enormous benefit to the natural environment.

Silk: :when you need a fabric that will give your body a balanced approach to temperature control. Silk is a light fabric, so it "breathes", which in turn allows your skin to breathe. Its amazing properties mean that silk is warm in cool weather and cool in hot weather, providing one's body with a balanced feeling. If you suffer from skin irritations. Not only does silk not irritate some people's skin, but it actually seems to soothe it (apparently this is because silk is a protein.