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CLOTHES!

Updated: Apr 13, 2021





You may be asking yourself why clothes are the topic of my second post. It’s not because baby clothes are sooooo cute (which they are!) Oh no!! Are there chemicals in clothes too??? Ugh, unfortunately the answer is yes. And not just in clothes, but also other textiles such as sheets, towels, washcloths, blankets, changing pad covers, and the fabric of our little ones’ car seats. Chemicals in the dyes as well as those added in the manufacturing process can cause contact rashes, but also can off-gas or be absorbed through the skin leading to accumulation in the body over time 1. More research is needed to determine just how much of a role chemicals in fabrics play in human health problems. They are also a source of environmental pollution 1. But don’t worry too too much since a good bit of the chemical additives are rinsed out before being sent out to consumers. And for the rest, there are special designations you can look for to make sure the fabrics touching your kiddoes are safe.


What are the designations to look out for?


1) Organic cotton – these fabrics are made from cotton grown without the use of toxic chemicals. Here’s a crazy stat: conventional cotton uses ~16% of the word’s insecticides and 7% of pesticides 2. Growing organic cotton has a positive impact not only on the crop, but also on the soil, air and water around it. Also, it also uses 88% less water and 62% less energy to produce 2!

One note though… just because something says organic cotton doesn’t mean it’s a completely safe fabric. Other chemicals can be added during the manufacturing process, negating the benefits of organic cotton! Further certifications help sort this out (see below). The Organic Cotton Standard makes sure it’s traced back to the source and is definitely organic 2. To take it a step further, the fiber can be GOTS certified (the holy grail)!


2) OEKO-TEX Standard 100 – “If a textile article carries the STANDARD 100 label, you can be certain that every component of this article, i.e. every thread, button and other accessories, has been tested for harmful substances and that the article therefore is harmless for human health.” 3


I love seeing this label on items I need for my daughter and home! It makes sure that the final product is safe, but doesn’t take into account using organic fibers or what happens during the manufacturing process. Which brings us to…


3) The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certification – based on four key principles 4:


- Organic fiber – to achieve the label “organic”, a minimum of 95% organic fibers is required; the label “made with organic materials” requires at least 70%


- Ecological and Social criteria – standards must be met in terms of the environmental impact (including strict treatment of wastewater) and the workplace (safe and fair conditions for workers)


- All Processing Stages –“The standard covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70% certified organic fibers.”


- Third party Certification – independent inspections help to maintain all of the ethics mentioned above



If you want more deets…


Which chemicals are we talkin’ about here?? (If this stuff makes you yawn, read #1 and skip the rest!)


1) Flame retardants -- These have received a lot of attention, especially with regards to children’s pajamas. Legislation in 1972 required children’s pajamas to be treated with flame retardant chemicals. This was meant to avoid burns from small, open flames such as candles or matches, NOT house fires. 5 years later the initial chemical used was banned because of the risk of cancer 5. Subsequent chemicals were banned one by one as well due to health risks. The chemicals aren’t easily washed out, since part of the US regulations state they have to last through 50 washes. In 1996, regulations changed to allow tight-fitting pajamas to be sold without flame retardants since they are less likely to drape into a flame. Also, some companies use polyester because it is naturally flame resistant 5. Flame retardants are also sprayed on many car seats! The decision to be more concerned about burns or chemicals is a personal one for each parent.


2) Aromatic amines -- Azo dyes are used often to add color to textiles. Aromatic amines (AAs) are used to create these dyes and are known carcinogens 1. The EU has already banned certain AAs. More research needs to be done to understand the level of exposure from textiles and how this should be regulated.


3) Quinoline -- Also used to make dyes, quinoline and its derivatives are skin irritants and probable carcinogens 1. Further studies need to be done to determine how exposure through the skin from textiles can lead to disease.


4) BTH and BTR -- These substances can damage DNA, cause endocrine/hormone problems, and irritate the skin 1.


5) BPA, BPS and relatives – We know these guys from my first post, “Plastic”. Yep, they can also be found in textiles. How sneaky! One study showed that infant socks actually had one of the highest exposures 1. Ugh.


6) Phthalates – This group was also seen in “Plastic” and is rearing its ugly head again. No wonder they’re called “the everywhere chemical”! Some prints added to kids’ clothing are made from PVC with phthalates. Bad combo.


7) Formaldehyde – This human carcinogen was historically added to clothing to help with anti-creasing properties. There were lots of cases of contact rashes from the high levels, so the formulation used now releases less formaldehyde 1. More good news - levels can also be further reduced by washing.


8) Metal nanoparticles – This technology, mainly with silver, is used in textiles for anti-UV and antimicrobial properties 1. There is concern about human exposure, especially during sweating, and more research is needed to discover the true impact 1.



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