Toxic chemicals in children's clothes, explained
A new report by Greenpeace has found toxic chemicals in a wide range of children's clothing. DW sheds light on what the chemicals are, the risks they present and what can be done about the problem.
A report released this week by Greenpeace has detected a range of toxic chemicals in children's clothing, made by various manufacturers around the world. The environmental organization found the chemicals in most of the 82 items of children's apparel that it tested, bought in 25 different countries and produced by 12 major brand names, including from high-end retailers.
Manfred Santen, a toxics campaigner for Greenpeace, told DW that "as far as toxicologists know, these concentrations don't present an acute risk for children." The risk mainly occurs when the chemicals are released into the environment, where they can build up in ecosystems and harm wildlife – mainly in the countries where the items are produced, including in China and many South Asian nations.
Santen added that health risks to humans cannot, however, be ruled out. "In that case, the precautionary principle has to be employed," Santen said. The chemicals are used in production of all textiles, including for adults.
What, why, how
The Greenpeace report tested for five main types of chemicals that are commonly used in textile manufacturing. DW found out what they are, the purpose for which they are used and the potential risks they present.
Phthalates: These are esters of phthalic acid, typically added to plastics to increase flexibility and durability. "We found the highest amounts in plastisol printings," Santan said, which include t-shirts with a large image embossed on the front. Phthalates are known to be endocrine disrupters, Santen said. This means phthalates can disrupt hormone levels in animals, which could disrupt fertility, cause birth defects or even contribute to breast cancer among humans.
Although phthalates biodegrade in the environment, organisms that see prolonged exposure absorb it into their system.
NPEs: Nonylphenol ethoxylates or nonylphenols are used to wash clothing, for example after dying. These can also disrupt hormones – but unlike phthalates, NPEs persist in the environment, and can accumulate in the tissues of a living organism. If discharged into the water, nonylphenol is highly toxic to aquatic creatures.
Santen noted that NPEs are no longer allowed to be discharged in Europe, although it's not yet forbidden in Asia. "But if you put these clothes into the washing machine [any where in Europe], it will be discharged," he pointed out.
