Golf Refugees have been talking to The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) who recently tested synthetic sport shirts. Here is what they advise to all consumers who wear synthetic; (polyester, polyamide) sport shirts;
1.) Always wash your new synthetic sports shirt before wearing. 2.) In case of skin reaction, stop wearing your synthetic shirt 3.) Consumers should be aware that synthetic sport shirts are a source of possible dangerous chemicals for people and the environment. 4.) When playing active sports which induce friction and or sweating it is better to wear a white cotton t-shirt underneath to avoid direct contact with the skin.
You may feel the last point is a bit strong and unnecessary. So why are they saying it? Here is a list of the metals they test for on synthetic sport shirts; nickel, lead, chromium, antimony, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper and mercury
During testing lead, antimony, nickel and chromium were all extracted with a sweat solution to stimulate active wear. The risk here is not to the environment but for the people who wear the shirts. ----------------------------------------------------------
