31st January 2012 - Which Toxic Chemicals are you Wearing Today?

Many clothes could be drenched in toxic chemicals like formaldehyde at much higher levels than is safe, it has been revealed.

Although awareness of the chemicals used in many high street beauty products, such as SLS and parabens, has grown over the years, little is ever said about the dyes and preservatives that are used in the clothing industry.

Formaldehyde in clothing & cosmetics

Formaldehyde is a chemical that is used in both skincare products and clothing. In 2011, it was described by the US National Toxicity Program as “known to be a human carcinogen.”

Despite this warning about probable cancer-causing properties, formaldehyde usage in clothing has gone unchecked. A test in New Zealand on some clothes made in China found that formaldehyde levels were 90 times higher than the safety limit.

Worryingly, there has been no equivalent research into chemicals in clothing in the UK since the New Zealand findings were released in 2007.

‘Dirty Laundry’

Other toxic chemicals in clothing include nonyphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) which are banned in Europe but can still be used on clothes that are made overseas and then shipped to the UK.

According to Greenpeace, which investigated NPEs in a report named Dirty Laundry 2, this class of chemicals can pose a problem when they are exposed to water, as they break down and can potentially become harmful.

Dark dyes can also cause problems for those wearing or handling clothes. Just as in hair dye, p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is widely used to create dark colours in clothing and leather, and can cause anaphylactic allergic reactions.

Raising awareness of toxic chemicals

Since it was formed in 1997, Green People has stood firmly against the use of questionable ingredients in skincare and household products. It was formed after the founder’s daughter suffered reactions to many everyday items in her early years.

Although only a relatively small proportion of the population suffer allergies to these chemicals, the effects can be serious and can have a significant impact on a person’s lifestyle.

Those who do not suffer from chemical allergies are rarely aware that these chemicals are used so frequently in cosmetics, clothing and other household goods. As a result, people can use them successfully for many years, exposing them to the unknown long-term impact of harsh toxins.

Green People’s entire range of natural skincare products and organic makeup are made with safe, gentle ingredients and do not contain ingredients such as formaldehyde, SLS and parabens.