How your clothing choices could affect your health: Toxic truth of fast fashion
We all love finding the perfect outfit at super cheap prices after all who doesn’t want to look stylish without breaking the bank? Scrolling through endless fashion hauls on social media, it’s easy to get tempted by trendy clothes. The appeal of fast fashion is undeniable, its affordable, stylish, and delivered straight to your door. Before you hit ‘buy now,’ read the following to make sure you are truly aware of what goes into your shopping cart.
According to a May 2024 AFP report and August 2024 Business Insider report, investigations by South Korean officials, as well as authorities in Canada and the European Union, have revealed alarming levels of toxic substances in fast fashion products. Tests conducted on 144 products from Shein, Temu, and AliExpress found that approximately 15% contained dangerous chemicals at levels exceeding legal limits. Shoes, bags, and accessories were among the worst offenders, with some items containing toxins hundreds of times higher than the permitted levels.
Many dangerous chemicals found
Phthalates: Hormone disruptors in your shoes
One of the most shocking findings was the presence of phthalates, a chemical used to make plastics more flexible. Some Shein shoes were found to contain 229 times the legal limit of these substances. Phthalates have been linked to severe health issues, including hormonal imbalances, infertility, obesity, and even certain cancers. Prolonged exposure can affect reproductive health, leading to decreased sperm count and potential fertility problems.
Formaldehyde: A hidden threat in hats and accessories
Shein hats were found to have twice the legally permitted amount of formaldehyde, a chemical commonly used to prevent wrinkling in fabrics. However, formaldehyde is also a known carcinogen and can trigger skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues. Regular contact with clothing containing this chemical can lead to chronic health problems.
Lead: A silent poison in your sandals
Temu sandals had 11 times the permissible level of lead. Lead exposure is especially harmful for children and may lead to developmental delays, damage to organs, and neurological impairment. Even for adults, excessive exposure to lead can lead to brain damage and other serious health issues.
How these chemicals affect your health: The chemicals found in fast fashion items are not just present in trace amounts. They are absorbed through the skin and even inhaled over time, increasing the risk of long-term health effects. Some of the most serious consequences include:
- Hormonal imbalances – Increased risk of infertility and reproductive issues.
- Brain and nervous system damage – Lead exposure can impair cognitive function, especially in children.
- Cancer risks – Formaldehyde and PFAS (yet another cluster of dangerous chemicals) are already recognised as carcinogens.
- Allergic reactions and skin irritation – Contact with toxic materials can lead to eczema, rashes, and respiratory issues like asthma.
What did the companies say
Both Shein and Temu claim to take product safety seriously. Shein representative told AFP that the firm “takes product safety very seriously” and insists that its suppliers adhere to controls and standards. They also said that they do third-party testing and take products off their website upon hearing of any claims
A Temu spokesperson told Business Insider that upon receiving notice from the Seoul city government, they “immediately launched an internal investigation” and swiftly removed the product listings from their global marketplace.
What you can do to protect yourself?
There are steps you can take to minimise your exposure to these harmful chemicals:
- Avoid extremely cheap, unregulated brands: If it is too good to be true, it likely is. Be suspicious of the source and the quality.
- Select brands that are transparent: Seek companies that test and release safety reports.Be sure to read labels of the clothing articles.
- Thrifting: Thrifted or vintage clothes are often better quality and pre-washed, reducing chemical exposure.
- Wash the clothes before wearing them every time: A simple wash won’t remove all toxins, but it reduces surface chemical residues.
- Support
sustainable fashion : Small, ethical brands are held to higher safety and environmental standards.
The shocking truth about toxic chemicals in cheap clothing shows that the price you pay isn’t just in money it could be your wellbeing. Remember, a stylish outfit shouldn’t come at the cost of your health.
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