We all love a good bargain, especially when it comes to fashion. However, behind the allure of budget-friendly fashion ordered online, lies a hidden danger: toxic chemicals. Many of these items are treated with harmful substances to enhance durability, colour, and texture, putting our health and the environment at risk.
The popularity of cheap online clothes and accessories, especially from China, has skyrocketed globally over the past few years. This sparked an investigation into items sold by platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress, reported Channel News Asia (CNA).
Toxic chemicals in children’s shoes
In eight Shein items that were tested – including children’s shoes, leather bags and a belt – authorities in Seoul, South Korea found it contained high amounts of phthalates, which are chemicals used to soften plastics.
“One pair of shoes contained 428 times the permitted levels of phthalates – the highest observed so far during the Seoul inspections –and three bags had amounts as high as 153 times the limit.
“Phthalates are widely used to soften plastic and are found in thousands of products, including containers, beauty products, and toys. However, they have been known for decades to cause hormone disruptions and have been linked to obesity, heart disease, some cancers, and fertility problems, the city government said,” CNA further reported.
South Africans love Shein
Phumeza Kula from Kuyasa, Cape Town, explains that she prefers online shopping at stores like Shein and Temu because of the affordability, style, and uniqueness they offer. She finds it monotonous to wear the same style of clothing as everyone else due to a lack of unique options.
“These online stores provide unique styles, they’re affordable, and I appreciate that their clothing items retain their colour for a long time.”
Phumeza Kula
Kula said she did not know about the chemicals in Shein clothing, however, she is not too worried about it. “I’m not easily swayed; I love Shein clothing items. The only thing that could deter me from buying from them is if they raise their prices.”
She also notes that she wears what she can afford as someone working and planning to further her studies.
She adds, “As for the chemicals, I’ll judge that based on my experience, but for now, I’m still satisfied with them.”
For Nomawethu Sithole from Theunissen in the Free State, shopping online is convenient as it saves her time and energy, and avoids crowded places. Sithole is a mother and a young working professional.
“I hardly have time for shopping. Even shopping for basics like groceries and cleaning items drains me.”
She adds that she opts for these online shops because they are affordable and deliver to your doorstep.
READ NEXT: Dermal health: Give your skin some love
Basic hygiene is the standard rule
According to dermatologist Dr Zandile Spengane, who practices at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town, it’s challenging to identify which clothing contains harmful chemicals. However, she advises that your skin is the first to react. If you experience itching or burning after putting on an item of clothing, it’s best to remove it immediately.
“After purchasing an item of clothing, always wash it before wearing it.”
Dr Zandile Spengane
She recommends that it’s more hygienic to wash new clothes before you wear them because certain parasites can be transmitted through clothes.
Sithole says that fortunately, she doesn’t shop for kids’ items from these stores. Most of the items she orders are hair extensions and kitchen appliances.
“The Shein story reminds us how crucial it is to shop locally for clothing. When you do, it’s much easier to return items if there are any issues.”
Furthermore, Spengane notes that skin reactions to clothing are often a result of formaldehyde finishing resins, dyes, glues, chemical additives, and tanning agents used in processing the fabric or clothing.
Cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported for the following fabric additives:
- Formaldehyde resins are used in fabrics to make them wrinkle-resistant.
- Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is used in textile dyes.
- Azo and anthraquinone-based dyes. These dyes are loosely bound to the fabric structure and can easily rub off onto the skin.
ALSO READ: Iphewula: Embrace the beauty and health benefits of pig’s ear
Get the Health For Mzansi newsletter: Your bi-weekly dose of kasi health, wellness and self-care
