Toxic Fashion

Toxic Fashion

Textile production is a dirty business. When we think about pollution, we tend to think of something that is far away from us. Even many 'healty lifestyle zealots' don't realize that both natural and synthetic fabrics are treated with nasty chemicals during and after processing. These chemicals affect not only the environment, but also humans who wear the finished product.

Many of the chemicals used in textiles are classified by the World Health Organization as moderately to extremely hazardous, and have been associated with genetic mutations, cancer, abnormal hormone levels, birth defects and reproductive problems.

Why are chemicals used in textile production?

Obviously, it's not easy to make thread from wood pulp or petrochemicals. Chemicals are used to make synthetic fibers suitable for spinning and weaving. Man-made dyes are used for colour. Formaldehyde compounds are applied to prevent shrinkage. Various synthetic chemicals are added to make clothing softer, wrinkle-free, fire-retardant, moth-repellent and stain-resistant.

It's time to check labels on your child's school uniform...

Chemicals which belong to the family of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), otherwise known as non-stick, are being used in synthetic clothing to make it more durable and stain resistant. Unfortunately, many (if not most) school uniforms are made from 'non-iron' fabrics which include PFCs. PFCs have been classified as cancer-causing by the US Environmental Protection Agency. PFCs are incredibly resistant to breakdown and are turning up in unexpected places around the world - in wildlife species and humans worldwide.

Many non-governmental agencies demand action on reducing our dependence on dangerous chemicals and developing safer alternatives, especially in children's clothing. As I mentioned in my previous posts, children are especially vulnerable to hazardous chemicals due to their immature immune and liver detoxification systems.

How can you avoid health hazards associated with chemically treated textiles?

There are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to dangerous chemicals in clothing, especially when youngest lives are at stake:

# Go for natural fabrics made of cotton, linen, wool, silk or hemp.

# Avoid synthetic fabrics, especially those which are wrinkle-free, non-iron, fire, stain and static resistant, or moth repellent.

# Choose organic cotton when possible. Organic cotton can be affordable thanks to H&M and other companies which are more environmentally friendly.

# Avoid cheap clothing from 'bargain' stores. These are produced at high human and environmental cost.

# Wash and dry new clothes at least three times before you wear them. Avoid fabric conditioners. Opt for more eco-friendly and less chemically overloaded washing powders such as Ecover.

# For your little ones look out for Confidence in Textiles label. It's a global testing and accreditation scheme for the screening of harmful substances in consumer textiles.

Healthier and more affordable options

All clothes and underwear available in LIDL's bear Confidence in Textiles label. Children's pyjamas and underwear are much cheaper than from 'high street shops' and much safer.

H&M has just launched their 'Conscious' collection. For less than 20 euro I bought all these organic clothes for my little person:  

I believe that consumers have the power to induce changes in the textiles industry. Showing Toxic Fashion The Red Card is a good start. Will you join me?