Toxic Chemicals in Fast Fashion: What You Need to Know Before You Shop

 

In recent years, fast fashion has taken the world by storm, offering trendy clothes at rock-bottom prices. However, beneath the affordable price tags, a hidden cost looms—a cost that impacts both human health and the environment. A CBC Marketplace investigation recently uncovered alarming levels of toxic chemicals in clothing and accessories sold by fast-fashion giants like Shein, AliExpress, and Zaful. This discovery raises serious concerns for consumers, especially children and pregnant individuals.

The Investigation: What Was Found?

Marketplace tested 38 samples, including children’s, adult’s, and maternity clothes, as well as accessories from these popular retailers. Shockingly, one in five items tested contained elevated levels of hazardous chemicals, including lead, phthalates, and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

1. Lead in Fashion: One of the most concerning findings was a toddler jacket from Shein, which contained nearly 20 times the allowable limit of lead as per Health Canada standards. Another alarming case was a red purse from Shein with more than five times the safe lead threshold. Lead exposure can damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and reproductive system, and is especially dangerous for young children and pregnant women.

2. Phthalates in Clothing: Phthalates, which make plastics more flexible, were found in several items, including a children’s tutu dress and a purse from Zaful. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to developmental and reproductive harm. Although some regulations exist—particularly for children’s toys—clothing often falls through regulatory cracks, leaving consumers vulnerable to exposure.

3. PFAS: The ‘Forever Chemicals’: A raincoat purchased from AliExpress contained high levels of PFAS, a class of chemicals used for waterproofing. These compounds are notorious for their persistence in both the human body and the environment. Linked to serious health issues, including cancer, immune dysfunction, and obesity, PFAS are often found in clothing designed to repel water and stains. Experts argue that these chemicals should only be used when absolutely necessary, yet they continue to appear in fast fashion.

The Hidden Cost of Fast Fashion

Miriam Diamond, an environmental chemist from the University of Toronto, who oversaw the lab testing, warned that fast fashion’s short-lived trends come at an enormous cost to both our health and the environment. The hazardous chemicals found in the clothing and accessories not only threaten consumers but also endanger the workers who handle these toxic substances during manufacturing.

For instance, lead and phthalates can be used intentionally during the dyeing process, even though safer alternatives exist. The use of these dangerous substances reflects a systemic issue within the fast-fashion industry, where cutting costs often takes priority over consumer safety.

What Can Consumers Do?

While fast fashion may seem irresistible due to its low prices and constantly changing styles, the risks associated with these toxic chemicals demand a closer look at what we’re buying. Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and make more informed choices:

1. Opt for Safe Certifications: Look for brands that adhere to international safety standards such as Oeko-Tex or Bluesign. These certifications ensure that harmful substances are restricted or eliminated during production, giving you peace of mind about what you’re wearing.

2. Wash Before Wearing: Some chemicals can be washed out of clothing before you wear them, reducing your exposure. While this is not a perfect solution, it can help mitigate some risks, especially with items for children.

3. Avoiding Fast Fashion: In the long run, the best way to protect yourself and the environment is to buy fewer, higher-quality items. Consider sustainable brands that prioritize safe manufacturing practices, or look for second-hand clothing, which has likely been washed multiple times, reducing the presence of chemicals.

4. Stay Informed: With growing concerns about the environmental and health impacts of fast fashion, staying informed can help you make better purchasing decisions. Follow developments on regulatory changes, such as Canada’s proposed ban on certain phthalates, and support brands that prioritize ethical production.

The Bigger Picture: Protecting Our Planet

Beyond personal health, these toxic chemicals also threaten the environment. Every time you wash your clothes, tiny fibers and chemicals are shed into the water supply. A study by Ocean Wise found that up to 4.3 million microfibers can be released in just one load of laundry. These microfibers often end up in oceans, where they harm marine life and enter the food chain.

Moreover, the use of PFAS and other persistent chemicals in clothing contributes to long-term environmental damage. These “forever chemicals” don’t break down in the environment, leading to widespread contamination that can last for generations.

Final Thoughts: The True Cost of Fast Fashion

The CBC Marketplace investigation serves as a stark reminder that cheap fashion comes with hidden risks. From toxic lead to hormone-disrupting phthalates and forever chemicals like PFAS, these substances are present in many items we wear daily. As consumers, it’s essential to make informed decisions about what we buy and wear. While fast fashion may be tempting, the long-term consequences for both human health and the environment are simply not worth it.

By choosing safer, more sustainable options, we can reduce our exposure to these harmful chemicals and help drive change in the fashion industry. After all, no piece of clothing is worth the risk to our future health—or our planet’s.