We don't often think about where our clothing comes from and what goes into making them. In our throw away consumer culture we simply go out, buy new clothes, throw them on, wash them, and then toss them aside when they are no longer in style.
At EcoMerge we want people to start thinking of their clothing in a different way.
Why?
Because the way we purchase and dispose of our clothing has real impacts on the world and our communities.
Caution, Use it.
With nearly 8,000 chemicals used in clothing manufacturing processes, it’s sure you are wearing some as you read this; here are some of the worst.
At EcoMerge we want people to start thinking of their clothing in a different way.
Why?
Because the way we purchase and dispose of our clothing has real impacts on the world and our communities.
Caution, Use it.
With nearly 8,000 chemicals used in clothing manufacturing processes, it’s sure you are wearing some as you read this; here are some of the worst.
Formaldehyde
Fabrics and clothing with these “claims” are some of the worst offenders:
Formaldehyde is linked to a 30% increase in lung cancer, plus skin/lung irritation and contact dermatitis. It is found in fabrics which are:
“Most governments restrict formaldehyde levels in clothing… but not the U.S. One of the worst offenders is China. Beware of "Made in China" labels.”---SCARY!
When toxins are absorbed through your skin, they bypass your liver, the organ responsible for removing toxins, which means you are subjected to toxic “build up”. Another way our bodies attempt to de-toxic is through perspiration. If our bodies are covered in petrochemical fibers restricting and suffocating our skin, we cannot release these built up toxins.
Skin rashes, nausea, fatigue, burning, itching, headaches, and difficulty breathing are all associated with chemical sensitivity. If you have mysterious health symptoms that you can't seem to get control over, it's worth checking out whether your clothes could be the problem. Two contributing factors to these ailments are; toxic buildup in your body and multiple chemicals that interact together to create even worse problems than the individual chemicals by themselves. Use caution my friends.
Fabrics and clothing with these “claims” are some of the worst offenders:
- Easy Care — Wrinkle-free, shrinkage free garments release formaldehyde.
- Water Repellent — Fluoropolymers (as in Teflon) are used to repel oil and water
- Flame Retardants
- Bacterial and fungicidal chemicals — Triclosan and nano-particles are used for this.
Formaldehyde is linked to a 30% increase in lung cancer, plus skin/lung irritation and contact dermatitis. It is found in fabrics which are:
- Anti-cling, anti-static, anti-shrink
- Waterproof
- Perspiration-proof
- Moth-proof and mildew resistant
- Chorine resistant
“Most governments restrict formaldehyde levels in clothing… but not the U.S. One of the worst offenders is China. Beware of "Made in China" labels.”---SCARY!
When toxins are absorbed through your skin, they bypass your liver, the organ responsible for removing toxins, which means you are subjected to toxic “build up”. Another way our bodies attempt to de-toxic is through perspiration. If our bodies are covered in petrochemical fibers restricting and suffocating our skin, we cannot release these built up toxins.
Skin rashes, nausea, fatigue, burning, itching, headaches, and difficulty breathing are all associated with chemical sensitivity. If you have mysterious health symptoms that you can't seem to get control over, it's worth checking out whether your clothes could be the problem. Two contributing factors to these ailments are; toxic buildup in your body and multiple chemicals that interact together to create even worse problems than the individual chemicals by themselves. Use caution my friends.
NPEs
The most widely used and potentially dangerous chemicals in the production of textiles are Nonylphenol, NP, and nonylphenol ethoxylates, NPEs. For the sake of clarity, NP’s are used in the production of NPE’s, with the latter being the more hazardous of the two. While researching this topic, we discovered an action plan from the United States EPA, a report from the Environment Agency of the UK, and a summary of information from toxipedia; an encapsulation of what can be found from these sources follows.
As noted previously, NP’s are employed in the production of NPE’s, which are used in the manufacturing of textiles, paper products, paints and multiple other items. As mentioned in the reports from the EPA and the EA, this toxic chemical is harmful to our environment and may also cause significant issues for humans. In fact, NPE’s were once used in detergents, but efforts by the EPA and manufacturers have since eliminated use. They found that great volumes of the substance was released into aquatic locations, which caused damage to foliage and marine life in general.
A 2012 press release by Greenpeace International notes that NPE’s can be found in adult and children’s clothing. As mentioned in the EPA action plan, this chemical can enter the human body through inhalation or skin contact. However, all reports seem to indicate that there is little evidence for immediate danger, but a great potential for issues later in life. Studies have shown that repeated exposure can cause hormonal problems, which lead to developmental and reproductive issues.
The most widely used and potentially dangerous chemicals in the production of textiles are Nonylphenol, NP, and nonylphenol ethoxylates, NPEs. For the sake of clarity, NP’s are used in the production of NPE’s, with the latter being the more hazardous of the two. While researching this topic, we discovered an action plan from the United States EPA, a report from the Environment Agency of the UK, and a summary of information from toxipedia; an encapsulation of what can be found from these sources follows.
As noted previously, NP’s are employed in the production of NPE’s, which are used in the manufacturing of textiles, paper products, paints and multiple other items. As mentioned in the reports from the EPA and the EA, this toxic chemical is harmful to our environment and may also cause significant issues for humans. In fact, NPE’s were once used in detergents, but efforts by the EPA and manufacturers have since eliminated use. They found that great volumes of the substance was released into aquatic locations, which caused damage to foliage and marine life in general.
A 2012 press release by Greenpeace International notes that NPE’s can be found in adult and children’s clothing. As mentioned in the EPA action plan, this chemical can enter the human body through inhalation or skin contact. However, all reports seem to indicate that there is little evidence for immediate danger, but a great potential for issues later in life. Studies have shown that repeated exposure can cause hormonal problems, which lead to developmental and reproductive issues.
Phthalates
Phthalates, also known as phthalate esters are used in clothing as plasticizers. They are especially known to be used for printed inks. These were found, in a Greenpeace study, in clothing from Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria's Secret, and Armani.
According to studies by Greenpeace, they are known to be harmful to reproductive development. This not only is harmful to wearers of the garments, but also to the environments where they are manufactured. This can cause environmental degradation, endanger wildlife, and be harmful to workers who manufacture them. Some of the phthalates known to be dangerous are di-2-ethexyl phthalate (DEHP), diisonoyl phthalate(DINP), and benzyl butyl phthalate.
Phthalates, also known as phthalate esters are used in clothing as plasticizers. They are especially known to be used for printed inks. These were found, in a Greenpeace study, in clothing from Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria's Secret, and Armani.
According to studies by Greenpeace, they are known to be harmful to reproductive development. This not only is harmful to wearers of the garments, but also to the environments where they are manufactured. This can cause environmental degradation, endanger wildlife, and be harmful to workers who manufacture them. Some of the phthalates known to be dangerous are di-2-ethexyl phthalate (DEHP), diisonoyl phthalate(DINP), and benzyl butyl phthalate.
Amines from Azo Dyes
Azo Dyes, containing amines are present in some clothes. Amines were found in clothes from Zara. According to Greenpeace, the amine found in the Zara clothes is o-dianisidine(3,3’-dimethoxybenzidine) which is known to be a carcinogen. It is associated with bladder cancer.
There are some EU, US, China, and international regulations on Amines. While there are some regulations on amines, these regulations are not comprehensive. Clothing brands and manufacturers need to remove Amines from their clothing and there needs to be regulation from these chemicals getting into the environment and to consumers. Not only does the public and environment need to be protected but also workers who work in the factories manufacturing garments containing these chemicals.
Azo Dyes, containing amines are present in some clothes. Amines were found in clothes from Zara. According to Greenpeace, the amine found in the Zara clothes is o-dianisidine(3,3’-dimethoxybenzidine) which is known to be a carcinogen. It is associated with bladder cancer.
There are some EU, US, China, and international regulations on Amines. While there are some regulations on amines, these regulations are not comprehensive. Clothing brands and manufacturers need to remove Amines from their clothing and there needs to be regulation from these chemicals getting into the environment and to consumers. Not only does the public and environment need to be protected but also workers who work in the factories manufacturing garments containing these chemicals.