Toxic substances found in fashion clothing

(CH) Laboratory tests have discovered toxic chemical substances in the clothing of 14 known brand manufacturers.

Environmental group Greenpeace announced the findings of their study in Beijing, stating that the substances found were likely to harm human reproductive organs.

Highstreet brands exposed

Among the brands concerned are well-known labels such as Adidas, Uniqlo, Calvin Klein, Li Ning, H&M, Abercrombie&Fitch, Lacoste, Converse and Ralph Lauren.

As part of the “Dirty Laundry” study Greenpeace staff bought clothes from 18 countries around the world that were made in China, Vietnam, Malaysia or the Philippines.

Hormonal disruptions

The scientific analysis found “nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) in two thirds of the garments,” said Greenpeace spokeswoman Li Yifang, who presented the report in Beijing.

Among the toxins found were chemical products that are often used in detergents such as nonylphenol, a product which is toxic for humans and has been banned in industrial use since 2003.

Li Yifang emphasised that “nonylphenol can cause hormonal disruptions”, adding that the product also contaminates the food chain and damages the reproduction and growth of various animals.

First reactions

"This is not just a problem for the developing countries where textiles are made. Since residual levels of NPEs are released when clothes are washed, they are in effect creeping into countries where their use is banned," said the Greenpeace activist.

The watchdog had published a “Dirty Laundry” study in July that reported on the pollution of rivers by the Chinese textile industry. Consequently, Puma and Nike committed themselves to ban the use of any toxic substances in the production by the year 2020. Adidas, however, issued a “general release without any obligational intent,” said Ms Li.