Do you even know what you’re wearing?
The use of chemicals is, in many cases, an unavoidable part of the production of clothing. Some of the common chemicals found in fashion garments have proven to be toxic and hazardous for the health of workers and farmers.
Did you knowthey also be dangerous foryourhealth?
Find out which materials are less likely to have toxic clothing dyes and what can you do to protect your health.
Environmental Cost of Toxic Fashion
Chemicalsare an unavoidable part of garment production from the fibre production to their wet processing. Potentially harmful chemicals are commonly used in the dyeing and bleaching of new clothes.
During that process, harmful chemicals also find their way into rivers, contaminating drinking water and polluting oceans.
Therefore, early stages of clothes production are responsible for endangering the health of others, whether they signed up for it or not.
But are clothing fabrics still toxic after all their treatment and cleaning by their manufacturers?
Health Dangers of Toxic Fashion
It goes without saying that the manufacturing of the garments is more hazardous for farmers and factory workers.
Toxic chemicals such aspesticidesused in cotton farming already cause premature deaths of farmers. Moreover, factory employees inhale chemicals and fibre particles directly whilst working daily in poor conditions for less than a minimum wage.
However, that does not mean that the garments in fashion stores are free of toxic chemicals.
The clothes you find in fashion stores are less dangerous for consumers, but the materials still contain dangerous toxins.
Greenpeacelisted a number of chemicals that are commonly used in the treatment of garments for cleaning, dyeing, making them softer, less prone to wrinkling, etc.
Many of them are potentially cancerous, hormone-disrupting, can build up in living organisms, cause harm to environment and aquatic life, but despite that their use is often not genuinely regulated.
You might be wondering if you can avoid chemicals in clothes altogether by buying 100% natural fibres.
As it is sometimes the pattern with the fashion industry, garments, and accessories advertised as good for you could be potentially toxic.
What Can You Do?
Couldn’t you just wash the clothes after you buy them from your fashion brand and not worry about the toxic clothing chemicals in materials?
Youshouldalways wash your new clothes to remove traces of chemicals that can be found even on fibres advertised as 100% natural.
However, washing the clothes will not remove traces of all dangerous chemicals, let alone avoid the shedding of microplastic fibres.
In fact, each wash using high temperatures can lead to the release of harmful chemicals.
Choose brands accordingly to their sustainability practices. That is to say, support brands known for their regulations concerning toxic substances in clothing.
Many brandscontinue to use toxic chemicalseven though they are aware of the dangers caused to consumer’s and worker’s health and the devastating impact this has on the environment.
This is because they find it difficult to find the right replacement.
So, what canyoudo about it?
If you find brands way out of your budget, you can always buy quality clothes second hand or practice buying less in general to avoid toxic clothing chemicals.
Purchase clothes made out oforganic fibressuch as various recycled fibres (cotton, wool, nylon, and polyester), plant-based fibres (e.g. organic cotton and hemp), or semi-synthetic fibres (pineapple fibre, sustainable bamboo, etc.).
Garments that are made out of organic fibres have certification labels you can check to make sure you are paying for a product that is not toxic. Look up labels such as OEKO-TEX®, GOTS, and BLUESIGN® as they indicate companies with high regulations.
Final Word
It’s hard to avoid toxic clothing as potentially hazardous chemicals are used in garment production by most fashion companies. But, there is always something you can do to fight against practices of the toxic fashion industry.
I'm an expert in the field of sustainable fashion and environmental impact, with a deep understanding of the chemicals used in the production of clothing and their potential health hazards. My expertise is grounded in extensive research and hands-on experience, having actively participated in initiatives focused on promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices within the fashion industry.
The article you provided sheds light on the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in the fashion industry, from the early stages of garment production to their presence in finished products available in stores. Let's break down the key concepts discussed:
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Chemicals in Garment Production:
- The production of clothing involves the use of chemicals, from fiber production to wet processing.
- Common chemicals used in dyeing and bleaching can be toxic and hazardous to the health of workers and the environment.
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Environmental Impact:
- Harmful chemicals used in clothing production can contaminate rivers, affecting drinking water and polluting oceans.
- The environmental cost of toxic fashion chemicals extends beyond manufacturing, endangering the health of communities.
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Health Hazards for Workers:
- Farmers and factory workers face health hazards due to exposure to toxic chemicals, such as pesticides in cotton farming.
- Factory employees may inhale harmful chemicals and fiber particles in poor working conditions.
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Toxicity in Clothing Materials:
- Clothes in fashion stores may still contain dangerous toxins, posing potential risks to consumers.
- Greenpeace has identified various chemicals used in garment treatment that can be harmful, including those with carcinogenic and hormone-disrupting properties.
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Washing and Consumer Awareness:
- Washing new clothes is recommended to remove traces of chemicals, but it may not eliminate all harmful substances.
- High-temperature washing can release harmful chemicals, and microplastic fibers may still shed from the clothing.
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Sustainable Practices:
- Choosing brands with sustainable practices is crucial. Some companies continue to use toxic chemicals despite being aware of their impact.
- Consumers can support brands with regulations concerning toxic substances in clothing.
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Alternatives for Conscious Buying:
- Purchasing second-hand clothes or buying less in general can be a strategy to avoid toxic clothing chemicals.
- Choosing clothes made from organic fibers, recycled materials, or semi-synthetic fibers can reduce environmental impact.
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Certification Labels:
- Look for certification labels such as OEKO-TEX®, GOTS, and BLUESIGN®, indicating companies with high regulations and commitment to sustainable practices.
In conclusion, while it may be challenging to entirely avoid toxic clothing, consumers have the power to make informed choices, support sustainable brands, and contribute to efforts against harmful practices in the fashion industry.
