Who doesn’t like fashionable clothing? But consider how the fast fashion and textile manufacturing industries transmit hazardous toxic chemicals into our daily lives. We will also examine the best solutions for avoiding harmful chemicals in textile manufacturing.
Before reaching their final form, the clothes must go through several processes and materials. The vast majority of the clothing is composed of synthetic material.
AZO Dyes
Approximately 70% of AZO dyes are used in textile manufacturing. In black and brown dyes, the concentration of p-phenylenediamine (PPD) is high. P-phenylenediamine has been associated with skin allergies (PPD). When AZO colours contact the skin, aromatic amines are released, which have been associated with allergies and dermatitis.
Phthalates:
Phthalates are widely found in athletic apparel and anti-odour clothes. To print logos and graphics on rubber material, phthalates are used. Phthalates are plasticizers that affect hormones and cause cancer.
PFAS (Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances):
Nature does not create this group of chemicals, it is a lab-grown compound. Because PFAS are extremely difficult to degrade, they are frequently detected in wildlife and our surroundings through drinking water and food. PFAS are typically found in clothing that is resistant to oil and water. Cosmetics, electronics, and non-stick cookware all contain these compounds.
Chlorine bleach:
For whiting and stain removal, chlorine bleach is applied. It’s used to get the fiber ready for dyeing. It contains harmful enzymes and causes respiratory problems.
These chemicals’ effects 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?
What to do next?
Since we’re talking about the major companies and brands that manufacture products that usually contain hazardous chemicals, make sure you also do your research on those brands and retailers that are making an effort to use as many natural methods as possible to help the environment while also providing high-quality clothing without sacrificing fashion trends. We must help these companies grow by supporting them.
We live in a global society, and 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 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 an increased discussion on the topic of dangerous chemicals found in food, clothing, toys, and daily goods. However, simply discussing the issues every once in a while, would not fix them. We must start working on improvement, no matter how tiny the steps or how slowly we go. Along with your particular new year’s resolutions, consider taking an active part in environmental protection 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
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Written by Samreen Ishaq
