One thing we all are oblivion about is harmful dyes to toxic anti-wrinkling agents. Here’s what is necessary to know about the fashion industry’s secret chemicals. Chemicals have become the norm in fashion. No one thinks about the potential dangers that come from wearing chemically laden clothes. 

When we wash our clothes a colour that is called microplastic is released when we wash our clothes. We are all aware of the environmental impact of fashion. But, what about the harmful consequences of the chemicals that are used to make wardrobe staples?

Our awareness of fashion’s lesser-known side effects with the launch of a new online resource called How Toxic Are My Clothes?

How are chemicals used in fashion?

Undoubtedly, chemicals are applied to clothes that work differently. Chemicals are applied to clothes in different ways that make various impacts on clothes–softening them, wrinkle resistance, and shrink resistance. There are good reasons to eliminate the most toxic chemicals from clothes manufacturing; there is a finite number that shows up over and over again, and most of [these chemicals] have safer alternatives.”

The chemicals you need to know about

Studies have shown that phthalates, which are used to soften plastic coatings, can affect reproduction, while heavy metals used in dyes are highly toxic. One of the most concerning chemicals is formaldehyde, which is used to prevent clothes from wrinkling and fading. According to the  National Cancer Institute, some scientists have suggested that it can be linked to certain types of cancer, as well as being an irritant to the skin. 

But, here is good news: the chemicals in our clothes pose a low risk to the wearer. There is not a direct impact from wearing the clothing. From a consumer standpoint, it can be a minefield, with very little information out there about what chemicals are in our clothes. Buying organic products doesn’t necessarily mean that harmful chemicals haven’t been used. Organic fibres can be processed with dangerous chemicals.