How Fabrics Absorb And Filter Smoke Pollutants

Smoke from fires and cigarettes contains toxic chemicals and gases, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be absorbed by fabrics. Fabrics can absorb smoke pollutants during a fire, picking up fire gases, liquids, and particles. Similarly, fabrics can absorb cigarette smoke pollutants, such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and nicotine. The type of fabric affects the amount of smoke absorbed, with natural fibers like cotton and wool absorbing more smoke than synthetic fibers like polyester. Fabrics contaminated with smoke pollutants can be cleaned, but it may be challenging to entirely remove the pollutants.

The absorbency of a fabric depends on its chemical and physical properties

The fibre properties of a fabric refer to the type of fibres that make up the fabric. For example, hydrophilic fibres such as cotton, linen, and rayon have a high affinity for water and can absorb large amounts of moisture. On the other hand, hydrophobic fibres such as polyester and nylon have a low affinity for water and are less absorbent.

The structure of a fabric also affects its absorbency. For instance, natural fibres are more capable of holding and emitting pollutants than synthetic fibres. Additionally, the weight of a fabric can be indicative of its absorbency, with fabrics that gain more weight when exposed to smoke having higher levels of absorption.

Surface properties, such as water-repellent or stain-resistant coatings, can also impact a fabric's absorbency. These treatments create a barrier that prevents liquids from penetrating the surface of the fabric, reducing its absorbency.

Furthermore, the presence of chemicals in fabrics can affect their absorbency. Chemicals used in textile processing, such as dyes, pesticides, and polymers, can be absorbed by the fabric and subsequently transferred to the skin of the wearer. These chemicals can have serious health and ecological impacts, and their absorption through the skin is a potential route for human exposure to contaminants.

Overall, the absorbency of a fabric is influenced by a combination of its chemical and physical properties, including fibre type, structure, surface treatments, and the presence of chemicals. Understanding these factors is essential for assessing the performance and suitability of different fabrics in various applications.

Cotton and terry cloth release higher concentrations of nicotine than polyester and wool

Thirdhand smoke (THS) is an environmental contaminant that can cause adverse health effects in both smokers and non-smokers. It is a result of secondhand smoke sticking to indoor surfaces and persisting in the environment. THS can be absorbed through dermal contact and has been found on the clothes of smokers and non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke.

Cotton, terry cloth, polyester, and wool fabrics have all been tested for their propensity to absorb and release nicotine and other chemicals found in smoke. It has been found that cotton and terry cloth release higher concentrations of nicotine than polyester and wool.

In one study, cotton cloth released about 41 times as much nicotine and about 78 times the amount of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) as polyester after one hour of aqueous extraction. Similarly, in another study, the concentrations of nicotine in extracts from cotton and terry cloth were found to be much higher than those from polyester and wool, with cotton and terry cloth showing higher autofluorescence proportional to the time and amount of THS exposure.

The higher release of nicotine from cotton and terry cloth may be due to their fabric structure and composition, as natural fibers have been found to hold and emit more THS than synthetic fibers. Additionally, the lower-than-expected concentrations of nicotine in the 18-month samples of polyester and wool may be due to reactions with atmospheric pollutants such as ozone and nitrous acid, which would lower its concentration in the fabric over time.

The findings have important implications for remediation strategies and public health policies, especially in protecting vulnerable populations such as infants and toddlers who may be exposed to THS through dermal contact or oral ingestion.

Toxic smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter are generated during a structure fire

Fabric materials, such as clothing and upholstery, can absorb and retain these smoke pollutants, leading to third-hand smoke (THS) exposure. THS is an environmental contaminant that affects not only smokers but also nonsmokers. It has been found that clothing exposed to smoke can carry THS contaminants to other indoor environments, such as movie theaters, hospitals, and hotels, putting vulnerable individuals at risk.

The adsorption and desorption behaviours of smoking-related VOCs vary among fabric types. Natural fibres like cotton and wool tend to hold and emit higher levels of VOCs than synthetic fibres like polyester. For example, cotton and terry cloth fabrics released higher concentrations of nicotine than polyester and wool. Additionally, fabric-absorbed pollutants can increase dermal uptake of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) compared to bare skin.

The remediation of THS-contaminated environments requires different approaches depending on the fabric type. Understanding the dynamics of THS absorption and extraction from various fabrics is crucial for developing effective cleaning methods and policies to protect individuals from exposure to these harmful pollutants.

It is important to note that structure fires are not the only source of VOCs. Biomass burning, including wildfires, is the second-largest source of VOC emissions. Wildland firefighters are at high risk of exposure to smoke containing particulate matter and VOCs, and their exposure levels vary depending on crew type and job tasks. Therefore, strategies to minimise smoke exposure for wildland firefighters are essential for their health and safety.

Third-hand smoke (THS) is an environmental pollutant that can be absorbed through dermal contact

The fabric type plays a role in the absorption and retention of THS, with natural fibres like cotton and terry cloth found to release higher concentrations of nicotine than synthetic fibres like polyester. The structure of the fabric also affects chemical off-gassing, with natural fibres capable of holding and emitting more THS than synthetic fibres.

THS exposure has been linked to significant metabolism of carcinogenic chemicals and the potential to cause detrimental health effects, including oxidative damage, skin inflammation, and adverse alterations to the human plasma proteome. Acute dermal exposure to THS has been found to elevate biomarkers associated with the initiation of skin diseases, such as contact dermatitis and psoriasis.

The widespread distribution of THS in indoor environments makes non-smokers susceptible to exposure. Further research and the development of rapid assessment methods are needed to better understand the dynamics of THS in fabrics and to establish appropriate remediation policies to protect humans from exposure.

Clean clothes offer protection against indoor air pollutants, unlike exposed clothes

It is important to understand the dynamics of third-hand smoke (THS) in fabrics to protect oneself from exposure to indoor air pollutants. THS is an environmental contaminant that can be absorbed through dermal contact and inhalation. Studies have shown that clean clothes offer protection against indoor air pollutants, unlike exposed clothes.

When it comes to fabric and smoke pollutants, the type of fabric plays a significant role. Natural fibres like cotton and wool have been found to hold and emit higher concentrations of THS than synthetic fibres like polyester. This is due to the chemical and fabric-dependent nature of absorption and extraction. For example, cotton and terry cloth tend to release higher concentrations of nicotine than polyester and wool. Additionally, fabric structure significantly affects chemical off-gassing, with natural fibres emitting more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than synthetic fibres.

The effects of wearing exposed clothes can be detrimental. Research has shown that wearing clothing that has absorbed indoor air pollutants can increase the dermal uptake of SVOCs by substantial amounts compared to bare skin. This means that even in non-occupational environments, exposed clothes can pose a risk to your health.

To protect yourself from indoor air pollutants, it is essential to start by identifying the source of pollution. Source control is the first step in improving indoor air quality. Additionally, proper ventilation can help dilute pollutants and reduce humidity. It is also crucial to be mindful of the chemicals used in laundry products, as fragrances added to laundry detergents and dryer sheets can contribute to toxic air pollution. Choosing scent-free detergents and air-drying laundry can help reduce exposure to these chemicals.

Furthermore, understanding the behaviour of smoking-related VOCs is crucial. The adsorption and desorption behaviours of these compounds vary depending on the fabric material, and they can be transported and distributed in indoor environments, making even nonsmokers susceptible to THS exposure. Developing rapid and accessible methods to quantify THS and measure fabric retention is essential to remediating indoor environments and protecting vulnerable populations.

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