Concerns about chemicals in clothing and their potential health effects, including cancer, are common. This article explores the scientific understanding of chemicals in textiles, how they interact with the body, and safety measures.
Chemicals in Clothing Production
Clothing manufacturing processes often involve a variety of chemicals designed to achieve specific fabric properties, colors, or finishes. Some of these substances have raised health concerns due to their potential toxicity.
For instance, certain azo dyes, widely used to impart vibrant colors to textiles, can break down under specific conditions to release aromatic amines, some of which are classified as probable human carcinogens.
Formaldehyde, a chemical frequently employed in wrinkle-free and shrink-resistant finishes, is a known irritant and a probable human carcinogen when inhaled. While its presence in clothing aims to improve durability and appearance, residual amounts can persist in the fabric.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known for their water and stain-repellent properties, are concerning; some PFAS compounds have been linked to various health issues, including potential carcinogenic effects in animal studies.
Phthalates, sometimes found in plasticized prints on clothing, are a group of chemicals primarily used to make plastics more flexible. Certain phthalates are suspected endocrine disruptors and have been associated with potential health risks.
Heavy metals like lead and cadmium, occasionally used in dyes or pigments, can pose health hazards if present in significant quantities and absorbed by the body. Their mere presence doesn’t guarantee high risk, as concentration and exposure extent are crucial.
Pathways of Exposure from Clothing
Chemicals present in clothing can enter the human body through several distinct pathways, with the skin being a primary route of contact. Chemicals can leach from the fabric onto the skin, particularly when there is friction, sweat, or prolonged direct contact. The skin can then absorb these substances, allowing them to enter the bloodstream.
Inhalation is another pathway, especially for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing from new textiles. Airborne fibers or chemical residues can also be inhaled, potentially reaching the respiratory system. This is more likely with new, unwashed garments.
Ingestion is less common for adults but significant for infants and young children who mouth objects, including clothing. They can inadvertently ingest chemical residues, leading to internal exposure. Chemical transfer depends on the substance’s properties, concentration, contact duration, and individual sensitivity.
Understanding Regulatory Measures
Governments and industry bodies worldwide have implemented various regulations and standards to manage the use of hazardous chemicals in textile production.
The European Union’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation, for example, aims to protect human health and the environment by restricting or banning certain chemicals in textiles. It requires companies to identify and manage risks linked to their manufactured and marketed substances.
Voluntary industry standards like Oeko-Tex Standard 100 set limits for harmful substances in textiles at all production stages. This certification ensures finished textile products are free from specified harmful substance levels, ensuring consumer safety.
California’s Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn about significant exposures to chemicals causing cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. These measures mitigate risks by controlling allowed chemicals, though challenges persist in monitoring complex global supply chains.
Practical Steps for Safer Clothing Choices
Consumers can take several practical steps to reduce their exposure to chemicals in clothing.
Washing new clothes before wearing them is widely recommended. This helps remove surface chemical residues, finishes, and loose dyes accumulated during manufacturing and shipping, significantly reducing initial exposure.
Opting for clothing made from natural fibers, such as organic cotton, hemp, or linen, especially for items worn directly against the skin, is beneficial. These materials often require fewer harsh chemical treatments during cultivation and processing than synthetic or conventionally grown cotton.
Looking for reputable third-party certifications can provide assurance about chemical safety. Certifications like Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), or Bluesign indicate that products meet stringent environmental and toxicological criteria throughout their production, signaling a commitment to safer chemical management.
Be mindful of clothing marketed with “special” finishes, such as wrinkle-free, stain-resistant, or antimicrobial properties, as these often involve additional chemical treatments. While convenient, these features often mean higher concentrations or wider varieties of chemical additives.