Daffodil International University
		Faculty of Engineering => Textile Engineering => Topic started by: nawshin farzana on July 22, 2014, 07:04:35 AM
		
			
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				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.
			 
			
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				Nice.
			
 
			
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				Very long....!! >:( >:( >:(
			 
			
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				Long though necessary