The term ‘chemicals’ here refers to artificially made substances that are produced by or used in reactions that change atoms or molecules. While chemicals vary in their impact, production of fashion products relies heavily on the use of chemicals that cause considerable environmental damage, including decreased soil fertility and water pollution, which are also responsible for serious health hazards. Chemical pesticides and fertilizers are used in production of natural materials such as cotton for protection from insects, molds and weeds, and to increase yields. Chemicals are also needed to process fibers into yarns and yarns into fabric. Dyes, surface treatments, performance enhancing coatings and treatments, application of water and stain repellents and flame retardants are all chemical-intensive stages of textile production. Considerable health risks are involved for those handling these chemicals, often in conditions without sufficient health and safety measures. Despite gradual improvements, use of hazardous chemicals is still a widespread practice among world-leading brands.(1) In addition, substances used at different stages of production often remain in textiles and their gradual release in the use stage poses further dangers to human and environmental health.
CHEMICALS
