Canadian shoppers of cheap fast-fashion from online retailers have recently been warned about high levels of potentially toxic chemicals in the new clothes they purchase.
Due to this, stores such as Shein, AliExpress and Zaful stop sales of ‘questionable products’ to Canadian customers after the CBC Marketplace investigation was released on October 1.
Potentially Toxic Chemicals Found In New Clothes By Online Fast-fashion Retailers
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Out of 38 samples of children’s adult’s and maternity clothes as well as accessories, Marketplace found one in five items contained elevated levels of chemicals that experts have found concerning. This includes chemicals such as lead, PFAS and phthalates.
For instance, experts found that a jacket for toddlers purchased from Chinese retailer Shein had almost 20 times the amount of lead that Health Canada says is safe for children.
They also found more than five times the threshold in a red purse bought from the same retailer.
In a statement emailed to Marketplace, Shein says it has removed the purse and jacket from its app. They also state how they will stop working with relevant suppliers until the issue is resolved.
Aside from Shein, two other fast-fashion retailers, Zaful and AliExpress, were also found selling clothes containing high levels of chemicals.
“This is hazardous waste,” says Miriam Diamond, an environmental chemist and professor at the University of Toronto who oversaw the lab testing commissioned by Marketplace.
As per CBC, she continues to say, “I’m alarmed because we’re buying what looks cute and fashionable on this incredibly short fashion cycle. What we’re doing today is to look [for] very short-lived enjoyment out of some articles of clothing that cost so much in terms of our … future health and environmental health. That cost is not worth it.”
How These Chemicals In Your New Purchased Clothes Can Harm You
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1. Lead
Experts say lead can cause damaging health effects to the brain, heart, kidneys and reproductive systems. This makes it even more harmful for children and pregnant women.
While lead is a naturally occurring element, the levels found in Marketplace’s label results were beyond environmental contamination. Or even the small amounts that clothes are unintentionally exposed to during the manufacturing process.
“There were clearly products that were intentionally using lead and intentionally using it in a way that was well above what should be considered responsible — or even safe,” says Joël Mertens who is a product environmental impacts expert at the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.
He also explains how lead can be used in textile dye pigments. Although, there are safer alternatives that can achieve the same results.
Diamond adds, “If the final product isn’t safe for me, it’s definitely not safe for the workers that are handling these chemicals to make it.”
2. Phthalates
There were other clothes that contained high levels of phthalates. This is a group of chemicals often used to make plastic more flexible.
Many phthalates are considered endocrine disruptors which are chemicals that can interfere with hormones. Experts also say they can have developmental effects and target the liver as well as the kidneys. There are even particular concerns about its effect on people in their reproductive years.
A clear tote from Zaful, for example, contained enough phthalates including DEHP, DiNP and DnOP. Because of this, Diamond and Mertens suggested the product be reviewed by Health Canada.
The clear tote purse has been recalled by Zaful after the company was notified of the lab results. They have also written in a statement how they have sent refunds to the customers who have purchased the product.
Diamond also flagged elevated levels of phthalates in the following products:
- A children’s tutu dress from Shein
- A children’s dress with Elsa from the Disney movie ‘Frozen’ from AliExpress
- A red purse from Shein
- A children’s raincoat set from AliExpress
- A set of plastic bibs also from AliExpress
While none of these exceeded Health Canada’s limits, Diamond was still concerned seeing as how children tend to suck on their clothes or put them in their mouths. Their skin can also absorb chemicals easier as compared to adults.
Shein, Zaful and AliExpress have removed all these products from their sites and have confirmed that they would be investigating further. The companies have also stated that they will be taking action against suppliers and sellers if necessary.
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3. PFAS
PFAS are a collection of fluorinated compounds commonly used in clothing for waterproofing and stain resistance. Many of these chemicals are known to be endocrine disruptors.
They are also considered “forever chemicals” since they aren’t flushed from the body and don’t break down in the environment.
Experts note that potential harmful effects of PFAS include the following:
- In creasing obesity to impairing immune function
- Different types of cancers
- Diabetes
It is also noted that PFAS are “a class of chemicals that should not be used unless they’re absolutely essential”.
A raincoat that was bought for $13.21 US from AliExpress was found to contain high levels of these chemicals. With the amount of PFAs found in the product, biologist Eva Pip says, “It is hard to imagine this is an incidental amount.”
After receiving the lab results from CBC, AliExpress removed the raincoat from its online marketplace and will be investigating further.
Source: CBC
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