Life Cycle Assessment of Cotton Balls

Cotton balls are used all over the world for cosmetic, personal, and medical applications. The cotton can be used for a variety of purposes like removing makeup or cleaning a wound, and is used once, and then thrown away. The life cycle of a cotton ball can vary dramatically depending on how the cotton is produced and processed. The National Wildfire Federation describes how the spun fiber balls can contain a variety of chemicals, especially used in the growing process for insect control. Cotton production has a long history of inequality and injustice for workers, especially among minority groups, women, and children. Picking cotton by hand is a tedious process that involves harvesting the dried plant when the bracts of the boil become very sharp and prickly. The process of harvesting cotton dramatically changed with mechanical inventions like the cotton gin, but cotton remains a cheap form of labor. This Life-Cycle Assessment will discuss growing, harvesting, processing, and the decomposition of cotton balls. The impacts to human health and the environment will be considered, while comparing conventional and organic cotton balls.

 Production and Economics of Cotton Balls

The United States is a major producer of cotton and leads the world in cotton exports. Planting season for cotton ranges from March to June, and harvest runs August to December. After harvesting the dried plant, the cotton is transported as densely packed bales to the cotton mill to be ginned. Cotton ginning involves separating the fibers from the seed. After the cotton is cleaned and separated, it is then transported to a textile mill to be spun. Processing cotton is energy intensive; the machinery accounts for approximately 39 percent of energy used, while ginning accounts for about 33 percent of energy used. Cotton is loosely spun and bound into what is known as the cotton ball. The soft fibers are commonly whitened with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. They can also be sterilized, especially for medical purposes. They are then packaged in plastic bags before being distributed throughout the world. There is lack of data available that describes the annual revenues of cotton balls in the United States or how many jobs the cotton ball industry supports.

In the United States, the USDA regulates the quality and grading of cotton with such organizations as the National Cotton Council, who say they advocate for farmers and other cotton industry partners. California is amongst the largest producers of cotton in the United States. According to California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association:

“The California cotton industry directly provides for over 25,000 jobs on farms, in gins, warehouses, cottonseed oil mills, and textile operations. In addition to the direct industry employment, when employment related to the value-added goods and service of cotton’s domestic and export trade, it is estimated that cotton accounts for an additional 137,000 jobs in California. Revenues generated in the form of products and services by this industry to California’s economy are in excess of $2.5 billion dollars annually”.

On a larger scale, the Economic Research Service of the USDA says “The U.S. cotton industry accounts for more than $21 billion in products and services annually, generating more than 125,000 jobs in the industry sectors from farm to textile mill”. The cotton industry is large, needing a massive workforce and vast amounts of land to meet demand. The environmental and human impacts of the cotton production need to be considered when assessing the life cycle of cotton balls.

Environmental and Human Impacts

Cotton production can have major effects on human and environmental health. Since the rise of conventional or Bt cotton in our agricultural system, the use of insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers has grown exponentially (OTA, 2018).  The plant is commonly known to be susceptible to infestation from several hundred species of insects. This results in the heavy use of chemicals and cotton being labeled as one of the most sprayed agricultural crops in the world (Britannica, n.d.). The use of harmful chemicals impacts the environment, farmers, workers, consumers, and entire communities where cotton is being grown. The Organic Trade Association (2018) states “In the U.S., cotton ranks in third place in terms of pesticide use after only corn and soybeans. Almost 48 million pounds of pesticides were used on cotton in 2017” (p.1). Breeding selective varieties of cotton has made genetically modified Bt cotton more insect resistant, and able to withstand chemical insecticides commonly used during conventional cotton production. The effects of glyphosate exposure alone are damaging to health of people and the environment, but a variety of other chemicals are also sprayed on cotton (LEADS, 2019). Conventional fibers can contain synthetic materials besides cotton and can be laden with chemical pesticides and bleach (OTA, 2018). This means that cotton balls can contain pesticides and other chemicals without consumers knowing their potential exposure to toxic substances. The impacts of these substances can cause adverse health effects to people and the environment.

The pesticides and chemical fertilizers used on cotton impact the health of soil and the air. According to Organic Cotton (n.d.) “the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in monoculture causes soil degradation, reducing its nutrient and water retention capacity. As a consequence, farmers face declining yields and have to increase production inputs” (para 6). The harm done to the soil due to monocropping cotton creates a need for more ecological based mediation. Not only do the chemicals being used on cotton negatively impact soil diversity, but they also effect the air we breathe. Conventionally grown cotton is some of the heaviest sprayed plants produced worldwide. The World Counts says “43 million tons of pesticide-laden dust is blown into the air every year” (para. 2). The effects of conventional cotton agriculture extend further than the fields where the crop is being grown. These chemicals become airborne, impacting the quality of air people breathe without anyone having any accountability. These practices pollute our air and water causing adverse effects to the environment (OTA, 2018). Conventional cotton production influences the health of workers, farmers, and the entire community.

The impacts of cotton production directly affect workers health and safety. Most farmers and workers in the cotton industry experience long working hours, low wages, lack of safety precautions, chemical exposure, and discrimination (EJF, 2007). The exposure to toxic substances is prevalent throughout cotton production. Chemical exposure has been proven to negatively impact human health. The Environmental Justice Foundation recognizes that “cotton accounts for 16% of global insecticide releases – more than any other single crop” (p. 2). Many workers in the cotton industry suffer from acute pesticide poisoning from regular exposure to chemicals. The high level of chemicals used in conventional cotton production negatively impact the function of many body systems. For example, glyphosate is one of the heaviest used pesticides on the cotton plant. According to the Organic Trade Association (2018) glyphosate was found to be carcinogenic and “can also cause birth defects, as well as genetic damage, endocrine disruption, and other serious health effects” (p.2). Cotton dust exposure over a lifetime has also raised concerns about risks for lung cancer. In a two population-based case-control studies Christensen, Lavoue, Rousseau, and Siemiatycki (2015) found “among all subjects there was a suggestion of slightly increased risk associated with any lifetime exposure to cotton dust” (p.1). Knowing the impacts of conventionally grown cotton, how much of a difference does organically grown cotton make when purchasing cotton balls?

Comparing Organic and Conventional Ball Impacts

The difference between conventional and organic cotton balls is dramatic. The planting, production, processing, and decomposition can vary greatly. Cotton that is grown organically begins as non- GMO cotton seeds, planted through crop rotation, with natural defoliation (without chemicals), and safe peroxides used for whitening (Organic Cotton Plus, n.d.). Less water is needed to grow organic cotton, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option when purchasing cotton balls (EJF, 2007). The World Counts website tracks the tons of water used in cotton agriculture globally and brings awareness to related issues like climate change, toxic exposures, and people affected by cotton cultivation. A life-cycle assessment conducted by Textile Exchange compared freshwater resources used in the production of conventional and organic cotton production practices. Conventional cotton needs substantially more water than organic cotton (PE International, 2014).  Rosa, L., & Grammatikos. (2019) say “The most commonly used irrigation system for cotton cultivation is the flood-or-furrow, which, although the easiest to install, has the lowest water efficiency” (p. 2). Organic cotton relies mostly on rainwater and moisture within the soil itself, while conventional cotton relies on stored water sources that can become unsustainable. The water used in organic cotton farming does not compare to the amount needed in conventional farming. Purchasing organic cotton balls can help create more sustainable outcomes for precious resources like water. 

The concept of organic farming practices is to create a more sustainable cotton crop for the health of the planet and people. When comparing conventional farming practices Forster et al. 2013 state “organic farming systems exhibit several ecological and economic advantages, particularly long-term improvement of soil fertility” (p. 2). Clean organic cotton translates into an environmentally friendly, biodegradable, sustainable, and renewable fiber throughout its entire life cycle.

The difference in the biodegradability of conventional and organic cotton balls is important to discuss. Biodegradation is the processes of breaking down materials until they essentially disappear via bacterial degradation. Organic cotton balls decompose quickly and return to the environment without negative impacts, while conventional cotton balls can decompose slower and contaminate compost with the chemicals used in producing and processing the cotton. Some cotton balls contain synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester and chemicals that inhibit proper breakdown and prevents quick biodegradation (Li, L., Frey, M., Browning, K. (2010).; EJF, (2007). Organic compostable materials like cotton balls are good for soil diversity and renewal. Organic cotton balls are biodegradable and can be added to compost as a carbon-rich material. A balanced compost helps reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and encourage beneficial bacteria and fungi to grow and enriches soils. The products use on organic cotton balls can contain synthetic ingredients or chemicals, also impacting the decomposition process and health of the soil.  

Recommendation

The life cycle of conventional cotton balls shows to have negative impacts to the health of people and the planet. One way to reduce these impacts is to switch to using organic cotton balls for personal, cosmetic, and medical uses. This can dramatically reduce the use of resources, eliminate exposure to toxic chemicals, and protect farmers, workers, consumers, and the environment by establishing more sustainable cotton practices. Choosing organic cotton balls means supporting cleaner water and air, soil diversity, and entire ecosystems. Organic cotton production is crucial for a sustainable and healthier future.

References

California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association. (2014). CA Cotton Facts. https://ccgga.org/cotton-information/ca-cotton-facts/.

Christensen, K. Y., Lavoué, J., Rousseau, M. C., & Siemiatycki, J. (2015). Lack of a protective effect of cotton dust on risk of lung cancer: evidence from two population-based case-control studies. BMC cancer, 15, 212. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-015-1206-0

EJF. (2007). The Deadly Chemicals in Cotton, Environmental Justice Foundation in collaboration with Pesticide Action Network UK, London, UK. ISBN No. 1-904523-10-2

Encyclopedia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Cotton. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/cotton-fibre-and-plant.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (n.d.). Composting at Home. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home.

Environmental Research Service (USDA). (n.d.-a). Cotton Sector at a Glance. https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/cotton-wool/cotton-sector-at-a-glance/.

Environmental Research Service (USDA). (n.d.-b). Overview - Cotton & Wool. https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/cotton-wool/.

Forster D., Andres C., Verma R., Zundel C., Messmer M., Mäder P. (2013). Yield and Economic

Performance of Organic and Conventional Cotton-Based Farming Systems – Results from a Field Trial in India. PLoS ONE 8(12): e81039. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0081039

LEADS. Sustainable Cotton Production. (2019). Cotton Pesticides: Pest Management U.S.: Cotton LEADS. Cotton https://cottonleads.org/sustainable-production/pest-management-united-states/.

Li, L., Frey, M., Browning, K. (2010). Biodegradability Study on Cotton and Polyester Fabrics. Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics.

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Cotton ball. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cotton%20ball

National Wildlife Federation. (n.d.) Cotton and Pesticides. https://www.nwf.org/en/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2006/Cotton-and-Pesticides.

Organic Cotton. (n.d.). The Risk of Cotton Farming. https://organiccotton.org/oc/Cotton-general/Impact-of-cotton/Risk-of-cotton-farming.php.

Organic Cotton Plus. (n.d.) Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS): Organic Cotton 101: Organic Cotton Processing. https://organiccottonplus.com/pages/learning-center.

Organic Trade Association (OTA) (2018). Cotton and the Environment. OTA- ttps://global-standard.org

Rosa, L., & Grammatikos. (2019). Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Cotton and Other Natural Fibers for Textile Applications. Fibers, 7(12), 101. https://doi.org/10.3390/fib7120101

The World Counts. (n.d.) Cotton Production Water Tracker Globally. https://www.theworldcounts.com/challenges/consumption/clothing/cotton-farming-water-consumption/story

Thylmann D., Deimling S., D’Souza F. (PE INTERNATIONAL). (2014). The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Organic Cotton Fibers- A Global Average.

World Wildlife Fund (n.d.). Cotton. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton.