It's no secret that the clothing and textile industry has a disastrous environmental impact. It's not only bad for the planet, it's also bad for all the people who work in the textile industry.
But how can fabric and clothing pollute and degrade the environment so much?
It's just that it uses a whole host of practices that have a negative impact on Mother Nature.
So obviously we're not going to mention all these practices (because there are a lot of them), but we are going to talk about one in particular that is used almost all the time in fast fashion: I mentioned dyes and chemicals !
The problem of dyes and chemicals
Dyes are used to color fabric. This can be done on the yarn, on the fabric or directly on the finished products. But that's not where the problem lies. It lies in the composition of the dyes. Quite often, they are made from petroleum derivatives. Not a pretty sight, we agree.
There are over 2,000 potentially toxic products in dyes. Heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, nanomaterials, surfactants, you name it. Of course, we won't be able to show you all the toxic products, but we're going to talk about the ones that are most dangerous for your health and the planet.
Many of these dyes and chemicals are discharged into rivers and streams, which not only pollute, but also contribute to poisoning.
In fact, over 100,000 tonnes of petroleum-based dyes and colorants are said to be discharged into water systems, leading to animal and plant desertification and the degradation of drinking water. Some populations obtain their water directly from rivers. However, polluted water can lead to poisoning and serious health problems.
Which dyes and chemicals to avoid
Azo dyes
This type of colorant contains a nitrogen double bond in its molecular structure. In Germany, they have been banned since 1996, but some are still authorized in France. This type of dye is considered carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic to humans, as it releases so-called aromatic amines.
Benzidine
This chemical compound is none other than an aromatic amine, which tests have shown to be responsible for bladder and pancreatic cancer. Most often, these people are those who work in dye manufacturing or in the dyeing stage of a textile, as they are the ones most often in contact with this compound.
Lead
Lead is used extensively in brightly colored dyes. If the lead content on a garment is too high, children under 6 can see their mental and physical development seriously affected.
Phthalates
Present in patterns, inscriptions, printing inks and clothing bleaches, this component is an endocrine disruptor that is extremely harmful to humans. For employees handling this product, it is through inhalation that it can prove dangerous. Of course, skin contact is also toxic.
Phthalate has effects on the liver, kidneys and male reproductive system. It can cause malformations in foetuses and children, even reducing foetal weight. In men, fertility is reduced.
Formaldehyde
It's a volatile organic compound that makes garments crease-resistant, water-repellent and more resistant. It easily comes into contact with the eyes and nose, causing irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. Over the long term, formaldehyde is suspected of causing asthma and allergies. It has been classified as a Group 1 known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
How to avoid them?
Of course, there are solutions and alternatives to all these chemical and toxic dyes. Before the 19th century, clothes and textiles were colored with natural, plant-based dyes. So why shouldn't this be possible today?
You can also opt for natural, organic materials such as organic cotton, linen or hemp .
Labels can also be very effective. They help to control the chemicals and toxins present in fabrics and textiles. These include the GOTS labellabel, which guarantees organic textiles such as organic cottonbut also guarantees fabrics free of heavy metals and aromatic solvents. Of course, we can't talk about labels without mentioning the Oeko-Tex label label, which certifies clothing free from chemicals, heavy metals and carcinogenic substances.
Maison FT garments are all Oeko-Tex certified. It's time to take a look at our our collection right here....
Sources :
- https://www.wedressfair.fr/blog/teinture-et-procedes-de-transformation
- https://www.fibrebio.com/top-5-des-substances-chimiques-quon-retrouve-dans-nos-vetements/
- https://www.plusdecoton.fr/blog/index/billet/13610_de-l-importance-des-teintures-dans-le-textile
- http://ecomhm.com/news/dessous-de-coloration-de-nos-vetements/
- https://www.asef-asso.fr/production/les-vetements-quand-les-toxiques-se-cachent-la-synthese-de-lasef/
1 comment
Hello,
Thank you for this interesting article. However, I hope you are aware that the Oeko-Tex 100 label has a very permissive charter... It authorizes allergenic biocides such as isothiazolinones. I refer you to the Que Choisir article on the subject.
We need to go further!
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