The EU alone buys around 4.5 million tonnes of fast-fashion textiles every year. Every day, more than 5.8 million low-value e-commerce parcels enter the bloc, with platforms such as Shein, Temu, and AliExpress collectively attracting over 400 million monthly shoppers. But behind those low prices lies a more troubling reality, with testing showing that these ultra-cheap garments can carry hidden risks to human health.
Alerts related to textiles and fashion chemicals have increased significantly, with dozens of international warnings being filed each year through the EU Rapid Alert System. Over 72% of these official warnings point to direct risks to human health, including serious allergic reactions, chemical burns caused by excessive formaldehyde, and possible organ damage from heavy metals.
According to Euronews, Pelle Moos, chemical expert and policy officer at consumer group BEUC, stated: “These are chemicals we have known for decades are harmful. Chemicals that may cause cancer, infertility, developmental problems in children and that persist in the environment.”
From the dyes that give your clothes their color to the treatments that make them wrinkle-free, modern fashion is built on chemicals, and some of them can be very harmful. Curious? Click on to find out more.