Is Viscose Fabric Toxic? Viscose Fabric Toxicity

Due to its toxicity, viscose fabric has recently become a contentious environmental issue. You should be aware of the following.

Clothing, bedding, and home décor frequently use viscose fabric. If you’ve never heard of rayon, that’s another name for viscose. Although it is a tree-based, semi-synthetic fiber, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is better for the environment or you.

As a result, questions have been raised about whether or not viscose fabric is toxic. We will delve into this issue in-depth in this article.

Is Viscose Fabric Toxic?

Viscose fabric is made from cellulose fibers derived from wood pulp, bamboo, or other natural sources. It is commonly used as a substitute for silk or cotton due to its soft and luxurious feel. However, during the production process, chemicals such as carbon disulfide and sulfuric acid are used to turn the cellulose fibers into soft, smooth fabric.

Carbon disulfide is a toxic chemical that has been linked to various health problems such as nerve damage, reproductive issues, and liver damage. Exposure to carbon disulfide can occur during the production of viscose fabric, as well as during the wearing and washing of clothing made from this material.

Sulfuric acid, another chemical used in the production of viscose fabric, is also a highly corrosive and dangerous substance. It can cause severe burns and respiratory problems if inhaled.

More about viscose fabric:

• Is Viscose Fabric Stretchy?
• Does Viscose Fabric Shrink?
• How to Wash Viscose Fabric Properly?
• Is Viscose a Breathable Fabric? is It Good for Summer?

While the use of these chemicals in the production of viscose fabric raises concerns about toxicity, it is important to note that finished viscose fabric is not inherently toxic. The level of toxicity depends on the number of chemicals used during production, as well as how well the fabric is washed and finished.

To reduce the potential risks associated with viscose fabric, it is recommended to wash new clothing made from this material before wearing it. This can help to remove any residual chemicals that may be present on the fabric.

Is Viscose Sustainable?

On one hand, viscose is derived from renewable resources, such as wood pulp and bamboo, and requires less energy to produce than synthetic fabrics. In addition, it is biodegradable and can be recycled, making it a more eco-friendly option than non-biodegradable synthetics.

However, the production of viscose is not without its environmental and social challenges. The process of turning wood pulp or bamboo into viscose involves the use of hazardous chemicals such as carbon disulfide, which can have harmful effects on workers’ health and the environment.

In addition, the production of viscose has been linked to deforestation and the destruction of natural habitats.

To address these issues, some companies have begun to implement more sustainable practices in the production of viscose.

For example, the use of closed-loop systems and more environmentally friendly chemicals can significantly reduce the impact of viscose production on the environment and workers’ health. Additionally, the use of sustainably sourced wood pulp and bamboo can help to reduce deforestation and preserve natural habitats.

How is Viscose Made?

Viscose is made from cellulose, which is found in plants. The most common source of cellulose for viscose production is wood pulp. The first step in making viscose is to dissolve the cellulose in a chemical solution called a “regenerating agent.”

The most commonly used regenerating agent is sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda. This dissolves the cellulose and forms a thick, viscous liquid.

Once the cellulose is dissolved, it’s mixed with another chemical called carbon disulfide. This chemical reaction turns the cellulose solution into a thick, yellow-orange liquid called viscose. The viscose is then filtered to remove any impurities and is stored in large tanks until it’s ready to be spun into fibers.

To turn viscose into the fiber, it’s extruded through a spinneret, which is a device that has hundreds of small holes. As the viscose is forced through the holes, it forms long, continuous fibers. These fibers are then washed in a series of baths to remove any remaining chemicals and to make the fibers stronger.

The fibers are then dried and sent to a factory where they’re spun into yarn or woven into fabric. Viscose is a versatile fabric that can be used to make a wide range of products, from clothing to bedding to upholstery.

While viscose is a popular fabric, it’s important to note that the manufacturing process can be harmful to the environment. The chemicals used in the process can pollute waterways and contribute to air pollution.

Some manufacturers are working to develop more sustainable production methods, such as using recycled cellulose or closed-loop production systems that recycle chemicals.

Conclusion: is Viscose Fabric Toxic?

Even though potentially hazardous chemicals are used in the production of viscose fabric, the finished product is not always dangerous.

To reduce any potential risks associated with exposure to chemicals used in the production process, it is important to take precautions like washing new clothing made from this material before wearing it.

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