Toxic Chemicals in Textile Manufacturing
Who doesn’t like fashionable clothing? Wearing trendy and pretty clothes may be important to many, but consider how the fast fashion and textile manufacturing industries transmit hazardous toxic chemicals into our daily lives.
Before reaching their final form, the clothes must go through several processes and materials. The vast majority of the clothing is composed of synthetic materials and thus contain harmful chemicals.
Types of Toxic Chemicals in Clothing
1. AZO Dyes
Approximately 70% of AZO dyes are used in textile manufacturing. The concentration of p-phenylenediamine (PPD) is high in black and brown dyes. P-phenylenediamine has been associated with skin allergies (PPD). When AZO colours contact the skin, they release aromatic amines, which have been associated with allergies and dermatitis.
2. Phthalates
Phthalates are often in athletic apparel and anti-odour clothes. They are used when printing logos and graphics on rubber material. Phthalates are plasticizers that affect hormones and cause cancer.
3. PFAS (Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances)
This is a lab-grown compound. Because PFAS are extremely difficult to degrade, they linger in wildlife and our surroundings through drinking water and food. Clothing that is resistant to oil and water often have PFAS. Cosmetics, electronics, and non-stick cookware all also contain these compounds.
4. Chlorine bleach
This is used for whiting and stain removal to get the fibre ready for dyeing. It contains harmful enzymes and causes respiratory problems.
These chemicals are making us and our loved ones sick. We must also consider that if the chemicals used in the textile manufacturing business and the final product are not safe for us, how much more dangerous would it be for the workers who must deal with these on a daily basis?
Support Natural Brands & The Sustainability Movement
Many major companies and brands manufacture products that usually contain hazardous chemicals. To find alternatives, do your research on brands and retailers that are making an effort to use natural methods to help the environment. High-quality clothing is possible without sacrificing the environment and fashion trends. We must help these companies grow by supporting them.
We live in a globally connected society where we can buy clothing from the other side of the planet while sitting in our living rooms. So, whether you purchase locally or online, look for the certifications listed below to buy real sustainable clothing.
- The International Association of the Natural Textile Industry (IVN)
- GOTS stands for “Global Organic Textile Standard”
- Oeko-Tex Standard – Made in Green
- The Blue Angel
- Fairtrade
In recent years, there has been increased discussion on dangerous chemicals found in food, clothing, toys, and everyday goods. However, simply discussing the issues will not fix them. We must start actively taking a stance by supporting sustainable businesses. Change can be difficult and slow, but small actions add up. Consider doing your part to protect the environment this year.
Sources:
https://compareethics.com/chemicals-in-clothing/#:~:text=Carcinogens%20are%20substances%20that%20are,irritation%20and%20aggravate%20any%20allergies.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/marketplace-fast-fashion-chemicals-1.6193385
https://www.earthday.org/toxic-textiles-the-chemicals-in-our-clothing/
https://www.commonobjective.co/article/the-issues-chemicals
https://orbasics.com/blogs/stories/chemical-free-clothing
