When Wrinkle-Free Clothing Also Means Formaldehyde Fumes
- by Tara Siegel Bernard
The New York Times - December 10, 2010
Excerpts:
. . . Though it is not obvious from the label, the antiwrinkle finish comes from a resin that releases formaldehyde, the chemical that is usually associated with embalming fluids or dissected frogs in biology class.
And clothing is not the only thing treated with the chemical. Formaldehyde is commonly found in a broad range of consumer products and can show up in practically every room of the house.
The sheets and pillow cases on the bed. The drapes hanging in the living room. The upholstery on the couch. In the bathroom, it can be found in personal care products like shampoos, lotions and eye shadow. It may even be in the baseball cap hanging by the back door. . . .
. . . The United States does not regulate formaldehyde levels in clothing, most of which is now made overseas. Nor does any government agency require manufacturers to disclose the use of the chemical on labels.
So sensitive consumers may have a hard time avoiding it (though washing the clothes before wearing them helps). . . .
- Full article at link above. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Keebler, Interesting. I just had a similar conversation with my wife today. I heard that there was a recent study that concluded that breast cancer was higher among affluent women because they tend to send close to the dry cleaners more often. Apparently the chemicals they use in the cleaning process are bad news...
Posts: 54 | From Northern NY State | Registered: Oct 2010
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