Alpaca Fiber - Avoid Chemicals and Allergens Naturally

We are exposed to too many chemicals and allergens in todays society. Alpaca fiber is rapidly gaining in popularity because it is softer, warmer, and stronger than sheeps' wool, but did you know that it has natural properties that can help you avoid chemicals and allergens?

An alpaca is a gentle fiber animal. No animals are killed to harvest the luxurious alpaca fiber which is another reason people like alpaca wool. Below are five ways that an alpacas' fleece helps you avoid some harsh chemicals and other irritants.

1. Alpaca fiber comes in 22 natural colors. No need to use harsh dye products. The natural colors range from white and fawn to dark brown and black. Textile dye dermatitis is more frequent than people think. It's not often tested for in standard allergy screenings. Darker dye colors are more problematic. You can avoid this irritant by choosing natural colors made from alpaca wool.

2. Alpaca fiber only needs to be cleaned with mild detergent. No harsh chemicals need to be used to clean the raw wool. No need to take it to a dry cleaners where they use perchloroethylene. This is a neurotoxic chlorinated solvent that accumulates in the fat, is a possible endocrine disrupter, and probably carcinogenic. You can hand wash your alpaca wool in mild detergent and steer clear of harsher chemicals.

3. Alpaca fiber repells water naturally. What a great natural property! Not only do you stay dryer, but your alpaca garment will be mold and mildew resistant. Mold and mildew can trigger an allergic reaction and asthma, irritation of tissues, infections, and toxic effects from mycotoxins (chemicals that molds produce). Having mold and mildew resistant alpaca can help you dodge these problems.

4. Did you know that alpaca fiber is naturally fire retardant? No need for those toxic fire proofing chemicals in alpaca wool like you find in synthetic fibers. Avoid having these harsh chemicals next to your skin by wearing alpaca wool.

5. Alpaca fiber is nonallergenic. Alpaca wool naturally fights dust mites. Dust mites are the cause of most asthmas, nasal allergies, and some eczemas. Owning alpaca can help cut down on dust mites.

Bypass the problems caused by harsh chemicals and allergens by wearing alpaca products or using raw alpaca fiber to make your own felt or spin your own yarn to make garments. Less chemical and allergen exposure will make you healthier. Try alpaca for a natural solution to todays irritants.

Read more about alpaca fiber. Debby McCandless has raised alpacas for seven years.