CHOICE says Australia lags behind overseas regulation
CHOICE says that inadequate chemical regulation for imported textiles, clothing and footwear means that consumers are unaware that they could be wearing toxic chemicals.
In a report into chemicals in textiles, clothing and footwear (TCF), the people’s watchdog says Australian chemical regulation lags behind other countries. As a result, Australians are exposed to higher risks of allergic reactions to chemicals in new clothes, footwear and even furniture.
“Over ninety percent of the clothes on Australian shelves are imported. The trend for ‘fast fashion’ also means that retailers are under pressure to put more stock on shelves, more often,” says CHOICE spokesperson, Ingrid Just.
“That pressure, combined with our inadequate chemical regulation for apparel, means that consumers have less protection than people in other countries where regulation is stronger.”
The European Union’s ‘EU Reach’ legislation regulates the use of more than 300 thousand harmful substances used in textile, clothing and footwear. EU Reach also sets maximum chemical limits for TCF products that come into contact with human skin.
The situation in Europe contrasts with that in Australia, where 50 thousand substances are overseen by the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) – the Australian equivalent of EU Reach. Additionally, in Australia, there are no legally prescribed limits for the use of those substances in textiles.
The CHOICE report cites the case of a woman who suffered chemical burns from new ballet style shoes when they were wet from rain. Subsequent tests by Monash University showed that the shoes were treated with a fungicide and rubber accelerator which was released when the shoes came into contact with water.
“A CHOICE member contacted us about her experience of suffering a burning sensation two hours after putting on a pair of new bowling shoes. She told the supplier, who dismissed the complaint, but she has since contacted the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). She has also sent the shoes away for testing.
“Others have come forward – including the mum of a 10 year old boy who suffered large hives and welts after wearing a new school shirt before it was washed,” says Ms Just.
One mould prevention chemical commonly found in shoes, jackets and furniture is dimethyl fumarate (DMF). The chemical, which is often found in small satchels in the product packaging, has been linked to eczema. DMF is banned in the EU but its use is widespread in Australia.
Industry stakeholders including the CSIRO, the RMIT University, the National Toxics Network and the Australian Wool Testing Authority have recently joined the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) to work on product safety, including chemicals in clothing.
Bodies such as the TFIA and RMIT University have told CHOICE they are shocked by the lack of active Australian regulation. They say that, even though consumer reactions to chemicals in clothing and footwear are not rife, an issue that shouldn’t exist at all is actually growing.
“It would be impossible to import some of these chemicals to use in Australia, but there’s no problem in having the same chemicals arrive in an order of T shirts from overseas,” says Ms Just.
CHOICE says anyone who has concerns about an item of clothing, textiles or footwear, should contact the retailer and the ACCC on 1300 303 609.
CHOICE’s tips for consumers:
1. Wash new clothes before you wear them – keep in mind though, that washing may not remove all chemicals.
2. When buying for children, look for natural fibres, cotton, linen and wool.
3. If concerned about allergic reactions, look for clothing made with organic cottons, with the use of natural vegetable dyes.
4. Avoid ‘stain or water resistant’ labelled clothing, unless the manufacturer provides details of the chemicals or processes used.
To read CHOICE’s report into chemicals in textiles, clothing and footwear, visitwww.choice.com.au/chemicalsinclothing.