Written by Lena Milton

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that the fashion industry is one of the most carbon-intensive industries in the world. But what you may not know is that some types of fabrics include toxic chemicals with harmful effects on both human health and the environment. From raw material processing to disposal, chemicals are present in nearly every step of a piece of clothing’s life cycle. This article will walk you through how to avoid toxins in your clothing in order to keep yourself and the Earth happy and healthy.

Chemicals in Clothing

Processing fabrics and making clothes is a surprisingly chemical-reliant process. In fact, around 8000 unique chemicals are used in conventional clothing manufacturing. Some of the worst culprits include, but are not limited to:

AZO dyes, a type of carcinogenic dyes that are banned in the EU)
Chromium, a toxic heavy metal used in dyeing clothing and wool and tanning leather
Formaldehyde, a toxic chemical used to reduce wrinkles in clothing (which has been phased out in some countries)
Phthalates, a chemical class used to print designs on clothes, that is linked to cancer and disruption of the hormonal system

Most of these chemicals are used in processing the clothing and are unlikely to actually cause consumers harm because our exposures are fairly low. However, some of these chemicals may cause health problems over time. For example, formaldehyde in clothing has been shown to cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues and skin irritation. Formaldehyde in clothing has been the subject of several lawsuits.

Not only do these chemicals pose risks to consumers’ health, but they also impact workers and communities that live nearby processing plants. First, workers in clothing factories are exposed to higher than normal levels of chemicals, which contributes to health issues and worsens unsafe working conditions. Often, chemicals used to process or dye clothing are then released into the environment as wastewater and contaminate waterways. This exposes people that live nearby to dangerous chemicals in their drinking water, which can also permeate crops that are irrigated using this water. In fact, in many developing countries, only 8% of wastewater is treated, leaving the rest of the wastewater to run off while it still contains toxins.

The chemicals used in clothing manufacturing also impact ecosystems and wildlife. For example, India’s Noyyal-Bhavani (NB) basin is responsible for 90% of the country’s knitwear exports. The rivers in the basin are extremely polluted, and cannot be used for agriculture or drinking. The pollution is particularly concerning because the Noyyal-Bhavani basin is home to India’s largest population of Asian elephants and Bengal tigers, both of which are endangered. Without clean drinking water, these animals’ populations may continue to dwindle.

How to Make Sure Your Clothes Are Non-Toxic

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to avoid exposure to chemicals in your clothing and to support companies that use chemicals responsibly.

1. Look at the label

There are a number of sustainable clothing labels out there that show that your clothes are safe for the environment. Some examples include Bluesign, which demonstrates sustainable production and low use of chemicals, and OEKO-TEX, a certificate that shows the clothes are not harmful to human health or the environment. Some clothing companies also undergo textile testing to ensure that the clothes are safe and high-quality; it’s important to buy from companies that employ dedicated supply chain management in order to ensure safety and sustainability.

2. Buy non-toxic materials

Not all materials are made equal. Whenever possible, purchase clothing that is made from natural materials like linen or hemp, which typically require less processing with harsh chemicals. It’s also best to buy clothes that are dyed using natural dyes, as synthetic dyes are one of the most common uses of toxic chemicals in clothing manufacturing.

3. Wash your clothes carefully

If you can, wash your clothes in cool water. Hotter wash temperatures release more chemicals and microfibers from the clothes, which can end up in waterways. Wash your clothes before you wear them to get rid of some of the chemical residues, and consider investing in a filter or washing bag to catch any microfibers that are released in the wash. A PlanetCare filter helps reduce the number of microfibers that are released into the environment.

4. Buy second-hand

Buying second-hand clothing reduces the chance of exposure to toxins, as most of the clothes have been washed several times before they get to you. This helps remove toxins that endanger your health before you actually wear the clothes the first time.

5. Dispose of your old clothes responsibly

Finally, it’s important to make sure that your clothes don’t leach chemicals into landfills when you get rid of them. The most eco-friendly way to dispose of old clothes is to donate them if they’re still in good shape. If that’s not possible, try to recycle them instead. Many fabrics can be recycled and local donation centres often will accept bags of clothing to be recycled. Not only does this help keep chemicals out of our air, soil, and water, but it helps to create a circular fashion industry that reuses materials.

So, next time you’re about to buy a coat or throw your new favourite shirt in the wash, consider taking these steps to reduce the impacts of toxins in clothing. You can still have a killer sense of style without killing the planet.

How To Make Sure Your Clothes Are Non-Toxic (To You and the Environment!)