Danish ministry investigates chemicals in textiles products

The Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published the results of an investigation into chemical substances in clothes and other consumer textiles products sold in Denmark.

The study took the form of a literature review to provide an overview of clothes sold on the Danish market, the levels of hazardous substances contained in products and the effect of eco- and health labelled clothing.

The report concludes that the majority of imported textiles come from Eastern Europe and Asia, and that they contain varying amounts of hazardous chemicals. Many substances are washed out of clothing in the washing machine, some substances including phthalates, heavy metals and antibacterial agents in particular often remain in the products even after laundering. Phthalates and to some extent also heavy metal content can be minimised by buying eco- or health-labelled textiles products.

The report will form the basis for a planned information campaign by the EPA to inform consumers about environment and health aspects of chemicals in clothes and textiles goods. The campaign is planned to begin in Autumn 2011.