Many different chemicals, some of them toxic, are used in the manufacture of textiles. Some are harmful to us humans or to our environment, while others are currently not considered hazardous. Some of the chemicals used in the manufacture and finishing of textiles may remain in the final textile product when the products reach the consumer. It is difficult to know exactly which chemicals are present in the textiles since the supply chains are long, complex and global. When going down the supply chain, the amount of information often decreases. Different companies, or even countries, may have different requirements about providing information, and it is problematic, in particular for small importing companies, to ensure that their demands are fulfilled by suppliers and sub-contractors. So what kind of toxins and chemicals are used in the textile-making process? Fabric dyeing and washing need a lot of chemicals, but the most dangerous ones are the chemicals used in finishing. Upholstery fabrics and for example men’s shirts use very advanced finishing coatings, everything from fire proofings to wrinkle-resisting or stain-deterring finishings. Formaldehyde is often used in wool production processes and in finishings to provide stain resistance and wrinkle resistance. Other toxic chemicals in finishes are, for example, PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), which are used in flame resistance, and optical brighteners.
So how dangerous are these substances? Well, formaldehyde is linked to allergies, skin irritation, headaches and eye and nose irritation. Optical brighteners can cause similar reactions in humans, but also harm fish and plants through accumulation in the water purification systems. How to avoid these harmful toxins then? There is no simple answer to that question. In Finland, the most simple thing to do is to use domestic textiles as much as possible. The regulation of toxins in Finland is strict, and harmful finishing chemicals are prohibited. Of course, for example cotton is not grown in Finland, but we have good alternatives. Linen is a fabric material that is cultivated and produced here in Finland. Other good choices are organic cotton, silk and wool. And remember to look for the Oeko-Tex Standard! This product certification shows that the use of toxins in everything from the raw materials to the finished clothes has been strictly limited. |
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May 2019
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