Moisture-wicking shirts use nanoparticles to keep the body dry and cool in hot weather. Some fabrics also have odor control properties, but the long-term health and environmental effects are unknown. The fabric wicks away sweat and is ideal for sportswear. Some shirts contain silver particles that reduce odor, but they may be harmful to the environment. Polyester-blended fabrics tend to work better than cotton blends. However, scientific studies suggest that the fabric may present a health risk due to carbon nanoparticles and nano-silver particles.
Moisture wicking shirts help keep a person dry while sweating by adding nanoparticles to the material. The addition of these particles helps the body stay cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. There are other fabrics that incorporate this technology with odor control properties to help keep them fresh. T-shirts are made by a variety of manufacturers, and some types are better than others. The long-term health and environmental effects of fabrics made with these technologies have yet to be determined.
The term wick refers to the ability of the fabric to absorb liquid from the surface of and within the material. Unlike conventional fabrics, which retain moisture, these fabrics use capillary action to wick away sweat like a paper towel. Moisture wicking jerseys are embedded with microscopic pores on the inner surface of the fabric. The fabric draws perspiration away from the skin and spreads it across the surface and then evaporates into the air. They are breathable and non-restrictive, making them ideal for sportswear.
Some moisture wicking shirts contain silver particles that reduce odor. Silver fibers are woven into the fabric and neutralize odor causing bacteria by suffocating the molecules. The silver woven into the fabric will last for the life of the garment, helping the material stay cooler for longer periods. The manufacturers claim that this technology is safe to use, but scientific studies suggest that it may be harmful to the environment.
While there are cotton and polyester blends of moisture-wicking fabrics available on the market, polyester-blended fabrics tend to be a bit better. The original fabric, created by Dupont, is called Coolmax, but other companies have developed their own versions. Dri-release, Underarmour, and dri-fit are some of the other types of moisture-wicking fabrics available. Two of the most popular manufacturers of odor resistant fabrics that contain silver are Polartec and Power Dry.
Scientific studies have shown that moisture wicking shirts or other garments created with this technology may present a health risk. The fabric contains carbon nanoparticles that have similar effects on the body as asbestos if inhaled. Other moisture-wicking fabrics contain nano-silver particles used to control odors that are released into the air and water when washed. While safe to use, these silver particles pose a greater hazard to public waterways than the bleach used for washing and are difficult to clean.
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