Rayon and Endocrine Disruption
Based on available evidence, rayon itself has not been demonstrated to be an endocrine-disrupting chemical. The confusion likely stems from occupational exposure studies examining carbon disulfide (CS2), a chemical used in rayon manufacturing, rather than the rayon fabric material itself.
Key Evidence Regarding Rayon Manufacturing
Carbon Disulfide Exposure in Rayon Workers
The available research focuses exclusively on carbon disulfide exposure during rayon production, not the rayon material:
A 6-year prospective cohort study of 432 Japanese rayon factory workers found no biologically significant effects on endocrine function when CS2 exposure levels were maintained below current occupational limits, with no exposure-related differences in thyroid, pituitary, gonadal function, or glucose metabolism 1.
Earlier research from 1983 showed elevated FSH and altered hormone levels in rayon workers exposed to CS2, but these findings reflected occupational chemical exposure during manufacturing, not properties of the rayon fabric itself 2.
Important Distinction
The critical distinction is between:
- Manufacturing chemicals (CS2) used to produce rayon - which may affect workers during production
- The final rayon fabric product - which has no documented endocrine-disrupting properties
Context of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
While approximately 1,000 chemicals have been identified with potential endocrine-disrupting properties, these are found in consumer products including personal care products, detergents, upholstery and fabrics, food contact materials, and pesticides 3. However, rayon fabric is not specifically identified among these materials in major reviews by the WHO/UNEP or the Endocrine Society 3.
Clinical Bottom Line
There is no evidence that rayon fabric itself functions as an endocrine disruptor. The occupational health literature addresses manufacturing process chemicals, not the consumer textile product. Patients concerned about endocrine-disrupting materials in fabrics should focus on documented concerns rather than rayon specifically.