How to Recognise Harmful Clothing – and Protect Yourself
The textile industry is one of the world’s largest polluters and water consumers. Producing a single cotton T-shirt requires 2,700 litres of water and 30–50 different chemicals for fabric processing. A pair of jeans takes 1 kg of cotton and 8,500 litres of water. By 2030, half of the world’s population will live in areas with polluted water.
Why Can Clothing Be Harmful?
Garments labelled easy-care, no-iron, wash and wear, wrinkle resistant, or wrinkle free often contain high levels of potentially carcinogenic formaldehyde—most commonly found in shirts. If a shirt is made from high-quality, long-fibre cotton (such as Egyptian mako or American sea island), it is far less likely to be harmful. Such fabrics naturally wrinkle less due to their superior quality and advanced processing techniques. Cheaper shirts made from short-fibre cotton are much more prone to creasing. Manufacturers often correct this by adding special chemical treatments—some of which can be toxic.
Products from China and Southeast Asia
When buying clothing online from China or Southeast Asia, you may unknowingly be exposed to harmful chemicals. Many substances enter the EU through imported products that are not fully regulated under EU law. Formaldehyde is also present in synthetic fibres and is used to protect garments from mould during long overseas transport. Shipments are often treated with dimethyl fumarate to prevent damage. Other hazardous substances include nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) – harmful to aquatic life and human health, azo dyes – which can release carcinogenic aromatic amines, heavy metal pigments, phthalates – hormone disruptors often found in prints on children’s clothing, and brominated flame retardants linked to health risks and environmental harm.
What Happens When We Wear Such Clothes?
Toxins can pass through the skin and harm the nervous system, disrupt hormones and reproductive health, cause cancer, trigger skin allergies, and affect the respiratory system.
How to Protect Yourself
Wash before wearing – Many harmful substances can be removed through washing. Wash new clothes three times before first use. Factories often skip thorough final rinsing to save costs. Avoid “no-iron” labels – These often indicate chemical treatments. Be cautious with dry cleaning – Many unregulated dry cleaners use perchloroethylene, a toxic solvent linked to respiratory and eye irritation. Don’t rely on smell alone – While strong chemical odours can be a warning sign, some harmful chemicals are odourless.
What You Can Do
Buy mindfully – Choose fewer, better-quality items. Increase your price bracket – Higher-quality fabrics and production often mean fewer chemical treatments. Return mistakes – If you’ve bought something unsuitable, take it back. Donate unused clothes – Pass on what you don’t wear. Don’t hoard – If you regularly wear everything you own, regardless of price point, you’re already being kinder to the planet.