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Had The Sheep Wool Pulled Over Your Eyes?
What's So Wrong With Sheep Wool? We've all had the wool pulled over our eyes for years now. Traditional clothing made from sheep wool harbors some pretty scary toxins. Conventional wool is loaded with health dangers right from the grower to the consumer. No joke. 
According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA)- "Pesticides used in sheep dips have consistently been linked with damage to the nervous system in workers that have been exposed to them in the United Kingdom." The OTC reports that low dose exposure in humans over the long term has been conclusively linked with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, reduced bone formation, and reduced nerve fiber function. They also report that insecticide residues used in these sheep dips affect the environment for a period of more than a year. Conventionally raised sheep are also dosed with drugs for parasite control (intestinal worms) and given antibiotic feed additives to promote faster growth. The OTC reports that "This non-human use of antibiotics is compromising medicine's effectiveness in people as bacteria become resistant to antibiotics over time." When sheep are overgrazed and closely confined, they may become susceptible to pests (lice, fleas and mites). Conventional pesticide treatments are used for control in the form of sheep dip or spray. These treatments are known to be moderately toxic to humans and highly toxic to fish and amphibians. Because they are water soluble, the pesticides are often innocently carried from the sheep to contaminate rivers, streams, and ground water. Interestingly, the OTC also reports that water contamination is resulting from animal waste. Good News The good news is that "natural" farming practices which produce organic sheep wool remedies these issues. Conventional sheep farming is beginning to see positive changes as the growers become more aware of health risks for their animals, themselves, and the environment. Toxic Wool Clothing Non-organic wool manufacturers use a wide variety of harsh and toxic chemicals
Moth-proofing chemicals, chlorine, formaldehyde, dioxins, harsh chemical dyes (which include toxic heavy metals) or just a few of the chemicals used in treating conventional wool throughout the manufacturing process. The health risks are high, and the long lasting effects are traumatic. Got Values? Would You Consider A Change? I'm sure you do value your family's health. And you're probably thinking "What can I do about sheep farms or sheep wool in general?" The answer: Care What You Wear... You can actually do a lot by doing just a little. Use your consumer buying power by choosing pure wool clothes and organic wool bedding for all your loved ones. Your health is worth it! So is the well-being of everyone from the farmer through the entire manufacturing process. Every single time you choose organic fibers, you make a difference. You are proactively helping to save our environment, and that's something to value and be proud of. Sheep farming experts who opt for a more organic approach to the health of their animals and their organic wool production deserve consumer respect and support. These farms will gain the momentum needed to position themselves as leaders in the organic marketplace. This will enable them to provide consumers with much needed natural and eco friendly wool choices. Want to Learn More? Return from Sheep Wool to Home Page
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in the production of woolen fabrics and clothing. Chemical abrasives are used to wash raw wool while bleach us used to clean and whiten.