FREAKY FASHION FACTS
TOXIC DYES & CHEMICALS
The fashion industry's extensive use of chemicals poses severe risks to human health and the environment. Toxic dyes, pesticides, & finishing agents pollute water, harms ecosystems, & exposes workers and consumers to hazardous substances.
The fashion industry's extensive use of chemicals poses severe risks to human health and the environment. Toxic dyes, pesticides, & finishing agents pollute water, harms ecosystems, & exposes workers and consumers to hazardous substances.
- RegulationsThere are no regulations forcing brands to disclose the chemicals used in creating fabrics & clothing manufacture.
- PFC'sPerfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are used to make fabrics water-resistant and are linked to cancer and other illness.
- ChemicalsOver 8,000 synthetic chemicals are used in the fashion industry to turn raw materials into textiles.
- Heavy MetalsToxic heavy metals like chromium, used in leather tanning, often contaminates local water supplies.
- CarcinogensFormaldehyde, a known carcinogen is used for wrinkle free fabrics and can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues.
- Health IssuesMercury, used in some fabric dyes, can lead to neurological damage in both garment workers and consumers.
HEALTH RISKS TO YOU (CONSUMERS)
Just as we've embraced organic foods and clean beauty, it's crucial to recognize the impact of chemicals in clothing. Becoming aware of these toxins helps us make healthier choices for ourselves, our children and the planet.
Just as we've embraced organic foods and clean beauty, it's crucial to recognize the impact of chemicals in clothing. Becoming aware of these toxins helps us make healthier choices for ourselves, our children and the planet.
- Skin AbsorptionYour skin is the biggest organ of your body and the permeable layer can absorb chemicals from clothing.
- PFA'sChildren wearing stain resistant uniforms are exposed to PFAS which are connected to cancer & other disorders.
- Chemical SheddingIt’s a physical reality that the chemicals in clothing are lost over time and migrate to your skin, with or without sweating.
- Inhaling FragmentsMicroscopic fragments of chemically laid clothing also break off to become dust particles you breathe in.
- ChildrenChildren are particularly at risk from chemical laid clothing as they play and sweat for long periods and chew on sleeves.
- PhthalatesChemicals like phthalates, used in many fashion products, are linked to infertility in both men and women.
HEALTH HAZARDS TO GARMENT WORKERS
We need to shop better to protect garment workers, as many face exploitative conditions, low wages, and unsafe environments. Supporting ethical brands ensures fair treatment and wages, helping to uplift those who make our clothes.
We need to shop better to protect garment workers, as many face exploitative conditions, low wages, and unsafe environments. Supporting ethical brands ensures fair treatment and wages, helping to uplift those who make our clothes.
- Skin AbsorptionWorkers exposed to dust and chemicals often suffer from respiratory issues, including asthma and silicosis.
- PFA'sExposure to chemicals in factories has been linked to health problems, including infertility and miscarriages.
- Chemical SheddingSandblasting jeans to give them a worn look can cause silicosis, a fatal lung disease, in workers.
- Inhaling FragmentsWorkers often suffer from accidents such as chemical burns due to inadequate protective equipment.
- ChildrenWorkers handling toxic dyes and chemicals often suffer from skin disorders, including dermatitis and rashes.
- PhthalatesStress and exploitation faced by garment workers contribute to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
CHILD & SLAVE LABOUR
Unethical fashion brands exploit vulnerable workers for profit. We have a responsibility to combat child and slave labour, and can do this through better fashion choices by choosing ethical brands that support fair, humane working conditions.
Unethical fashion brands exploit vulnerable workers for profit. We have a responsibility to combat child and slave labour, and can do this through better fashion choices by choosing ethical brands that support fair, humane working conditions.
- Lost ChildhoodsOver 170 million children are engaged in child labour, many in the fashion industry, in hazardous conditions.
- Injury & DeathWorkers have little rights and many factories lack basic safety measures, putting workers at risk of injury and death.
- TrappedMany garment workers, especially in developing countries, work under forced labour, with no freedom to leave.
- Lack of EducationChild laborers in the fashion industry are often denied access to education, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
- PovertyMany garment workers are paid well below a living wage, trapping them in a constant cycle of poverty.
- Human TraffickingHuman trafficking is rampant in the fashion industry, with vulnerable individuals being used for cheap labour.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The fashion industry has a significant environmental impact, contributing to pollution, water waste, and carbon emissions. From toxic dyes to excessive water usage, the production and disposal of garments severely damage ecosystems and accelerate climate change.
The fashion industry has a significant environmental impact, contributing to pollution, water waste, and carbon emissions. From toxic dyes to excessive water usage, the production and disposal of garments severely damage ecosystems and accelerate climate change.
- Poisoned RiversRivers in major textile regions, like China and Bangladesh, run blue from synthetic dyes used in denim production.
- High Carbon EmissionsThe fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, contributing significantly to climate change.
- High Insecticide UseConventional cotton farming accounts for 16% of all insecticide use, heavily polluting ecosystems.
- MicroplasticsSynthetic fabrics like polyester shed microplastics during washing, which end up in our oceans.
- DeforestationForests are cleared to make way for cotton farming, leading to habitat loss and a decrease in biodiversity.
- Huge LandfillsThe fashion industry produces over 92 million tons of waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills.
