Sustancias tóxicas en los textiles/en
For several years now, many textile companies around the world have been moving towards an ecological policy and producing fabrics without chemicals that could harm the user or the environment.
Description
Harmful substances may be present in the textile product or in its accessories and the possibility of their release from the articles during use must be considered. The toxicity of a substance will depend on the nature of the substance, the exposure time, the age of the wearer of the garment, the route of penetration into the body and the concentration.
Routes of entry into the body
RESPIRATORY: solids in the form of dust, liquids in the form of vapor and gases that mix directly with the air may come with the air we breathe.
DERMAL: There are substances that can produce effects on the skin, causing adverse reactions. Factors to consider are the surface area of the exposed skin, the condition of the skin and the characteristics of the substance itself.
DIGESTIVE: It is important in babies and small children who put objects in their mouths.
Testing methods for harmful substances
The analysis and extraction methods of these substances attempt to reproduce natural conditions of use, for example with regard to skin contact, some tests are based on the simulation of human sweat, the possibility of oral ingestion is taken into account by means of tests with an artificial saliva solution and the possibility of inhalation is taken into account in the measurement of odours and emissions.
Main Harmful Substances in Textiles
- Arylamines, aromatic amines, are compounds that are released in the reduction of some azo dyes.
- Dimethyl fumarate is a compound used for mold inhibition, as a fungicide in maritime transport and in the storage of goods.
- Chromium VI is a heavy metal that can appear in both dyes and pigments, as well as in the leather tanning process.
- Nickel is a heavy metal used in dyes and pigments, in catalysts, as well as in the coating of metal accessories to prevent oxidation, such as zippers or buttons.
- Pesticides are organic compounds used to preserve crops and can therefore be found in natural fibres.
- Phthalates are plasticizers used in PVC to give it flexibility and appear in plastisol type printing.
- Lead is a heavy metal used in dyes and pigments, as well as in the alloys of metal accessories.
- Formaldehyde from finishing resins.
See also
References
Argentine Fashion Certification - Argentine Industrial Chamber of Clothing (CIAI)
