logo
episode-header-image
Today
10m 45s

Why polyester is in its flop era

Bbc World Service
About this episode

Have a look at the label in the clothes you’re wearing today. Chances are, you’re wearing some polyester. It’s the most- produced synthetic fibre on the planet and it’s having a bit of a moment on socials. In a bad way…people are giving it up and swapping for more natural fibres.

You might’ve seen claims that polyester is linked to diseases like cancer and can cause fertility issues. But how worried should we be? Professor Mohamed Abdallah from the University of Birmingham breaks it down for us and Chelsea Coates from the What in the World team explains how we can make better clothing choices.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates and Emily Horler Editor: Verity Wilde

Up next
Yesterday
Why the word ‘vagina’ is getting blocked on social media
Is educational content about women’s reproductive and sexual health being removed or restricted on social media apps? Content moderation tools are meant to flag specific words and imagery that breach platform guidelines, like showing nudity or explicit content, but posts that use ... Show More
13m 3s
Oct 16
How flamingos in Albania sparked massive protests
What began as a peaceful protest in Albania turned violent in October, as students took the lead, setting buildings on fire and clashing with police. They are demanding better university conditions, greater opportunities for young people – and an end to what they describe as a co ... Show More
9m 39s
Oct 15
Can airport scanners see you naked?
Shoes on or off? Laptops in or out? And don’t get us started on the rules around liquids! Getting through airport security never seems to be simple. It’s there for a reason, of course. But there are so many rules and why do they seem to be different everywhere you go? We’re joine ... Show More
13m 30s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2021
Gas-gow
World leaders are talking conifers, cash and cows. But is it all hot air? Laura K and Rebecca M explain all the comings and goings at the COP26 Climate Conference today.The ex-President of the Maldives chats to Adam about whether rich tourists should stop flying to his sun-soaked ... Show More
32 m
Jun 2021
Hands, Face, Embrace
Matt Hancock says he's "let people down" after getting caught kissing his aide. Will he survive the affair claims? Adam and Vicki discuss what the long-term ramifications might be.As Britney Spears speaks out about her 'abusive' conservatorship, we are joined by filmmaker Mobeen ... Show More
35m 34s
Sep 2021
Petroldread
People are talking about the UK's fuel queues.Driver shortages, an energy crisis and rising inflation... But are we really heading towards a new "Winter of Discontent" (like the one in 1978)? To find out, we’ve got the BBC’s political reporter from back in the day, Nick Jones.   ... Show More
34m 31s
Mar 2021
Dram drama
Adam chats to Liz Truss about why it’s such a whisky business being the Secretary of State for International Trade. And the BBC's Orla Guerin talks through what impact Yemen’s ongoing civil war has had on children in the country. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Georgia Coa ... Show More
30m 20s
Jan 2022
Taking a Kazakhstand
Why's it kicking off in Kazakhstan? Protests over fuel prices have got ugly and the government’s cracking down. So what does it mean for this former Soviet country? Newsnight’s International Editor, Gabriel Gatehouse, is back to explain.   Henry Dyne hasn’t had a great time of la ... Show More
33m 35s
Mar 2022
Arabian Flights
Boris Johnson heads to Saudi to talk oil supply... Adam is joined by Laura and oil-expert, Prof Karen Turner, to discuss the trip and unpick the government’s energy strategy.The BBC’s correspondent in Moscow, Carrie Davies, is outside the court where Russian journalist, Marina Ov ... Show More
31m 46s