Golf Magazine
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET-polyester) is a hydrophobic thermoplastic. In other words, it repels water and the application of heat can alter its molecular structure. Moisture-wicking properties are only possible by manipulation and / or the use of chemically based textile finishes.
As water soluble dyes cannot attach to the hydrophobic polyester fibre, disperses dyes are exclusively used. These dyes do not readily penetrate the polyester fiber and so some kind of forcing conditions are required; heat is used. Subjecting polyester to high temperatures can cause species to migrate out of the fibres. This accounts for the high incidence of contact dermatitis associated with using disperse dyes.
The release of antimony oxides (antimony is used as a catalyst in the production of PET and embedded into 85% of all polyester fibre) is known to occur. Antimony trioxide is listed as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
The carrier content of finished polyester garments may be low, if state of the art dying practices are used, otherwise contents carrier can be much higher, of up to 2.7% may occur. Toxicological issues are associated with most carriers; halogenated benzenes: 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene), dibutyl phthalate and diethylhexyl phthalate.
This is why Golf Refugees are calling for greater transparency for consumers with regard to the toxicity of the combinations of chemicals used in sportswear apparel.
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