Which clothes are healthy?

Harmful clothing with a lot of chemistry

11/14/2011

The pants do not wrinkle and sweaters are cuddly soft. However, to achieve such an artificial condition of clothing, numerous chemical pollutants are used during production. The consequences are allergies, cancer and skin redness. How do consumers recognize low-emission or pollutant-free garments when they buy them??

One kilo of clothes with six kilos of chemistry worked
Velveteen sweaters, dimensionally stable jackets and wrinkle-free trousers: such features are loved by consumers. But most of the time, a great deal of chemistry is used in the manufacture to artificially produce such textures. How high the chemical content in our garments is, a Swedish health authority has examined. The magazine „pharmacy magazine“ For this reason, the study results have been looked at and evaluated a little more closely. So said Peter Kanzler, editor-in-chief of the newspaper: “There is a lot of chemistry in our textiles. For the production of one kilo of clothes up to six kilograms of chemicals are needed. These ensure, among other things, that the color is washfast, the fabric cuddly soft and wrinkle free.”

„Wash-fast, cuddly soft and wrinkle-free“
In the advertising messages of the manufacturers, for example, buyers can read: „Wash-fast, cuddly soft and wrinkle-free“. It is suggested that they are quality fabrics. However, those who are constantly exposed to high levels of chemical irritation must expect health consequences. „The skin reddens and shivers and itches very hard. Therefore try to avoid chemistry in your clothes.” emphasized Chancellor. In many cases it even happens that the clothing articles contain chemicals that are banned in Germany. Effective protection is to pay close attention to the label. On a purchase should be waived, if hints like „wash separately“ or „Color is bleeding“ are recorded. In these products, the dye is easily transferred to the skin. Basically for all new types of clothing, after washing the laundry with sufficient water to wash. Buyers should also pay attention to the seal of approval and / or eco-label when purchasing.

Stay away when clothes stink of chemistry
If the clothes already smells strongly of chemistry, the purchase should be better avoided. The smell can be treacherous, like the „pharmacy magazine“ reported. Because clothing with a strong chemical odor is usually contaminated with formaldehyde.

Test seal and eco-label
The TÜV Rheinland draws attention to the fact that clothing with the seal „Toxproof“ a pollutant load in the lower range of legal requirements guaranteed. The same applies to leather clothing. There is the TÜV seal „SG“ and means that it has been tested for harmful substances. However, these types of clothing are not pollutant-free, they only comply with the legal requirements.

Things look completely different with organic clothing. Products bearing a bio-seal are 100% non-polluting and environmentally friendly. The clothing is usually made of hemp, cotton, bamboo fibers or cork. Organic clothing is biologically compatible, free of toxins and chemical coloring. In addition to the organic logo is also a sign with the inscription „Fair“ or. „Fair Trade“ In this way, workers in the producing countries receive fair wages and produce under environmentally sound working conditions. (Sb)

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Children's clothing often contains pollutants
Sandblaster jeans endanger your health
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Picture: Alexander Dreher