ACCC tests clothing for carcinogens
September 1st, 2007 Posted in Non Toxic Living, This n ThatThe Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has begun
testing for excessive levels of formaldehyde in a range of clothing,
following alarming findings by the New Zealand media.
Scientists from New Zealand consumer affairs program Target showed that
some woollen and cotton clothes imported from China contained up to 900
times the acceptable level of formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is commonly used in the production of textiles and clothing.
Contact with residual of the chemical can cause short-term symptoms such
as skin and respiratory irritations. Long-term health affects from
excessive exposure to formaldehyde can be more serious, as has it has been
classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a known
carcinogen.
“There is currently no evidence that clothing in Australian markets
contains unacceptably high levels of formaldehyde, ACCC Chairman Graeme
Samuel said.
“But we’re taking this measure as a matter of caution, particularly in
light of the New Zealand reports,” Mr Samuel said.
The investigation is launched amidst growing safety concerns related to
products imported from China. Last week, Mattel Australia recalled over
400,000 Chinese-made toys due to dangerous levels of lead and loose
magnets. A number of other Chinese imports including blankets and
toothpaste have also been recalled in recent months.
“The ACCC is working with the Department of Health and Ageing and seeking
other expert advice on an appropriate maximum level of formaldehyde in
clothing,” Mr Samuel said.
In the meantime, the ACCC advises consumers to wash or clean the garments
and thoroughly air them before they are worn.
Currently, there are no legally enforceable standards covering the level
of formaldehyde in clothing in Australia.