Azo/Carcinogenic/Allergenic Dyes
Azo dyes are synthetic dyes having an azo
group (-N=N-) in the structure. Azo dyes are
commonly used for dyeing textiles and leather.
Some azo dyes may produce carcinogenic
aromatic amines under certain conditions.
In Europe, REACH Regulation (EC) No
1907/2006, Annex XVII restricts 22
carcinogenic aromatic amines in textiles and
leather. Some other dyes used in the textile
industry are classified as having adverse
effects on humans. More than 20 dispersed
dyes are said to be allergenic, while 9 dyes
are classified as carcinogenic. These dyes
may be absorbed through the skin with
prolonged skin contact.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde acts as a cross-linking agent to
make an easy-care finish, intended to prevent
shrinkage, and gives the product
crease-resistant and smooth-dry properties.
Release of Formaldehyde can be harmful to
health through irritation of mucous membranes
and the respiratory tract.
Pentachlorophenol (PCP),
Tetrachlorophenol (TeCP) &
Trichlorophenol (TriCP)
To prevent mold spots caused by fungi,
chlorinated phenols like PCP are applied
directly on textiles, leather and wood. PCP is
very toxic and regarded as a
cancer-inducing agent.
Pesticides
Pesticides are used in the cultivation of
natural plant fibers like cotton to combat
insects, and also as a moth protection agent
during storage. Herbicides are
weed-eradication and defoliant chemicals.
They can be absorbed by the fibers and
might remain in the final product. Most of
them can be removed during subsequent
wet processing. Pesticides and herbicide
residues are rated slightly to strongly toxic
and are sometimes easily assimilated
through the skin.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals are constituents of some dyes
and pigments. They can also be found in
natural fibers due to absorption by plants
through soil. Metals may also be introduced
into textiles through dyeing and finishing
processes.
Once absorbed by humans, heavy metals
tend to accumulate in internal organs such
as the liver or kidney. The effects on health
can be tremendous when high levels of
accumulation are reached. For example,
high levels of lead can seriously affect the
nervous system.
Heavy metals very often refer to:
Antimony (Sb)
Arsenic (As)
Lead (Pb)
Cadmium (Cd)
Mercury (Hg)
Copper (Cu)
Chromium (VI) (Cr(VI))
Total Chromium (Cr)
Cobalt (Co)
Nickel (Ni)
Both Cadmium and Lead are classified as
carcinogens. Cadmium has been restricted in
Europe for a long time. Lead is restricted in the
U.S. under the Consumer Product Safety
Improvement Act (CPSIA) in addition to certain
European regulations.
Chromium (VI)
Chromium (VI) is mainly an undesirable
by-product generated during the leather
tanning process when chrome tanning is
employed. Subsequent warehousing and
transportation may lead to higher levels of
Chromium (VI). Chromium (VI) is a strong
oxidant and is classified as a carcinogen that
needs to be controlled.
Nickel
Nickel is found in alloys used for metal
accessories on garments such as buttons,
zippers and rivets. Some people are allergic to
nickel and may experience serious skin
irritation when in contact with nickel-containing
accessories for an extended period. The
release of Nickel is restricted under the EU
REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, Annex
XVII.
Phthalates
Phthalates are the most popular plasticizers
used to soften Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Other
applications include Polyurethane (PU) and
printing inks. Some studies have shown that
under simulated mouthing conditions, softened
PVC might release phthalates in quantities
considered to cause potentially hazardous
effects in young children. Various countries
across the globe have restricted phthalate use
in childcare products through legislation such
as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Improvement Act (CPSIA) and the EU REACH
Regulation.
TBT, DBT and Other Organotin Compounds
In the textile industry, TBT has been used for
preventing the bacterial degradation of sweat
and the corresponding unpleasant odour of
socks, shoes and sport clothes. Some
organotins may be used in PVC and PU
productions. High concentrations of these
types of compounds are considered toxic.
They can be absorbed through the skin and
are suspected to cause reproductive disorders.
Chlorinated Organic Carriers
Commonly used as auxiliaries in the dyeing of
polyester, chlorinated organic compounds can
have adverse effects on the central nervous
system and may induce liver and kidney
malfunction.
Flame Retardants
Commonly used flame retardants are TRIS,
TEPA, Bis(2,3-dibiomopropyl) phosphate,
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) and
Polybrominated Diphenylether (PBDE).
Prolonged contact to high dosages of flame
retardants can cause impairment of the
immune system, hypothyroidism, memory loss
and joint stiffness.
pH Value
Human skin is slightly acidic which inhibits the
development of many diseases. Textiles where
the pH lies in neutral (pH 7) or in slightly acidic
regions (below 7) are friendly to skin. Fabrics
with extreme pH values can easily damage
skin and may cause allergic reactions.
Dimethylfumarate (DMFU)
Dimethylfumarate is a volatile compound
classified as irritating and harmful for the skin,
eyes, mucous membranes and upper
respiratory tract through simple contact,
inhalation or ingestion. The substance is used
as a fungicide to prevent mold formation that
may deteriorate leather, furniture, footwear or
leather accessories during storage or
transport, and may be used in dessicant
sachets. Dimethylfumarate is banned under
the EU REACH Regulation (EC) No
1907/2006, Annex XII.
Alkylphenols (AP) & Alkylphenol
Ethoxylates (APEO)
Alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates are
commonly used as wetting agents in textile
processing. EU REACH Regulation (EC) No
1907/2006 restricts the discharge of
Nonylphenol (NP) and Nonylphenol
Ethoxylates (NPEO). NPEO’s have been used
as detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents and
dispersing agents for many years. NP is the
intermediate to synthesize NPEO. NPEO and
NP are very toxic to aquatic life and
considered aquatic pollutants. They can
disrupt the hormone-regulating system of
aquatic animals and cause estrogenic effects.
Octylphenol (OP) and Octylphenol Ethoxylates
(OPEO) are the other AP and APEO’s
commonly concerned.
Perfluorooctane Sulfonates (PFOS)
PFOS are widely used to provide grease, oil
and water resistance to textiles, apparel,
carpets, leather and paper. The substance is
considered to be very bio-accumulative and
toxic.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
VOC refers to a group of volatile organic
solvents. The chemicals are often used in
paint and ink preparations, glues, cleaning
agents, shoe primers, etc. Due to their organic
nature, these chemicals tend to have strong
and distinct smells. Some VOCs, such as
benzene, are carcinogenic. Some are very
toxic, and strong irritants.
