Recent investigations have revealed alarming levels of toxic chemicals in clothing produced by Shein. These hazardous substances can exceed acceptable safety limits by hundreds of times and have sparked growing concern among consumers and health advocates.
Invisible Dangers: The rise of fast fashion has transformed the clothing industry and introduced hidden dangers that threaten health and environmental safety. The toxic chemicals embedded in these products pose risks that many consumers remain unaware of, warranting a closer examination of what lurks beneath the surface.
Who Is Shein?
Founded in China, Shein has become a dominant force in the fast-fashion industry, attracting customers with its super low prices and rapid turnover of trendy clothing. The brand’s expansion into over 150 countries, including a significant presence in Australia, has recently raised red flags about its manufacturing practices and the potential dangers posed by its products.
With increased scrutiny from regulators in South Korea and other countries, Shein and its fast-fashion competitors, like Temu and AliExpress, are facing pressure to improve their safety standards and address the alarming presence of toxic chemicals in their garments.
Authorities in Seoul, South Korea, inspected 144 products from Shein, AliExpress, and Temu, which showed many items from these companies did not meet legal standards, as reported by AFP in May 2024.
These inspections, part of weekly checks on online products, identified issues with several Shein items, including shoes that contained phthalates at levels 229 times above the legal limit.
Shein hats tested positive for formaldehyde.
Seoul Metropolitan Government said harmful chemicals were found in children’s shoes sold by Shein. The Seoul government claimed the shoes contained phthalates at levels 428 times the country’s domestic safety standards!
Toxic Chemicals Used in Clothing
According to Professor Eric Chan from the National University of Singapore’s Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, some chemicals, like phthalates and formaldehyde, are added intentionally to improve product quality, while others, such as lead, may “sneak” in as a by-product during manufacturing.
Here are a few of the dangerous chemicals found in Shein’s clothing.
Phthalates: Often used to soften plastics and increase flexibility, phthalates can disrupt hormonal systems and have been linked to developmental issues in children.
Formaldehyde: This chemical is used in clothing to prevent wrinkling and maintain color. It is a known irritant that can cause respiratory issues and skin allergies, and it is classified as a probable human carcinogen.
Azo Dyes: Some synthetic dyes used in clothing can release aromatic amines, which are potentially carcinogenic. They may cause skin irritations and allergic reactions.
Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs): Used for water and stain resistance, these compounds can accumulate in the body over time, leading to various health issues, including reproductive and developmental problems.
Lead: Found in some brightly colored fabrics, lead exposure can result in serious health effects, particularly in children, affecting their cognitive development and causing behavioral issues.
Cadmium: Often used in pigments, cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can cause kidney damage and other health problems, with particular risks for children.
Brominated Flame Retardants: These are used in some textiles to reduce flammability but can disrupt endocrine function and have been linked to neurodevelopmental issues in children.
How To Detect These Chemicals
Without specialized testing, it’s not easy for consumers to pinpoint these chemicals. Professor Chan notes that while some volatile chemicals may have a strong odor, this isn’t always a reliable indicator, as certain chemicals might not have a noticeable smell. Formaldehyde, for example, has a sharp, pickle-like odor, but only when present in high concentrations.
To identify safer options, Associate Professor Seow Wei Jie from NUS recommends looking for certification labels like Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standard, or BlueSign, which indicate products that adhere to strict safety standards.
Resources like the Environmental Working Group and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics can also help flag products containing harmful chemicals.
Washing To Reduce Chemical Levels
Repeated washing, along with airing garments out, may help reduce the concentration of certain chemicals.
Associate Professor Navin Kumar Verma from Nanyang Technological University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine suggests hanging clothes outside or in a well-ventilated area to lessen exposure to volatile chemicals. Adding baking soda or vinegar to your laundry routine may also help neutralize chemical residues.
However, experts caution that while washing may reduce some surface-level toxins, it’s unlikely to eliminate all chemicals. Fabrics with high concentrations or deeply embedded chemicals are less responsive to washing. Asst. Prof Seow advises against relying solely on washing to make contaminated items safer.
Should New Clothes Be Washed Separately?
Experts advise washing new clothes separately for the first few cycles, especially if you suspect they may contain harmful chemicals.
Chemicals from contaminated clothing can transfer to other garments during washing, which may pose additional health risks, especially for people with sensitive skin, allergies, or respiratory issues. For children and infants, who are particularly vulnerable, you should take extra precautions.
It’s also a good idea to dry newly washed clothes separately if any odors don’t go away, as heat can release lingering volatile chemicals into the air, which may spread to other items.
Safe Storage Practices for New Clothes
Off-gassing, a process where fabrics release chemicals into the air, is another issue to consider. According to experts, formaldehyde can off-gas from new textiles, meaning it’s best to store new items separately from other clothes.
A well-ventilated wardrobe or a sealed garment bag can help prevent cross-contamination.
With fashion from brands like Shein and Temu often failing to meet safety standards, consumers face a real challenge. While washing and ventilating new clothes may reduce some of the risk, staying informed about safety certifications and the types of chemicals used in production is crucial for safer shopping.
Shein is reportedly valued at approximately $66 billion USD, and it’s clear that the company has achieved this level of success by overlooking ethical considerations.