All stages of production, use and disposal of fashion products are associated with health hazards of varying intensity. These can include respiratory hazards, life-threatening diseases such as cancer, serious and debilitating injuries, and even death(1.) For example, conventional cultivation of natural fibers such as cotton relies heavily on pesticides that are often handled by farmers and child laborers without sufficient protective equipment and health and safety measures after application. Toxic chemicals are also used in processing fibers into yarns and yarns into fabric. Despite gradual improvements, use of hazardous chemicals is still a widespread practice among world leading brands.(2-5) In addition to serious hazards for those handling such substances in the production phase, once released to the environment these chemicals put human health at further risk through contamination of air, water and food chains.(2) Workers throughout the global supply chain are known to work long hours in often unsafe conditions where a high number of health- and life-threatening incidents are a daily reality.
HEALTH HAZARDS
