Categories and Sources of Heavy Metals in Textiles:
Metals are categorically classified into heavy metals and light metals based on their respective densities. Those metals with a density surpassing 5g/cm3 are commonly referred to as heavy metals, which include, among others, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, cobalt, chromium, mercury, cadmium, and approximately 45 additional species. In the context of environmental pollution, heavy metals of particular concern are those exhibiting significant biological toxicity, such as mercury, cadmium, lead, chromium, and metalloid arsenic.
The origins of heavy metals in textiles are multifaceted, with potential introduction occurring at various stages encompassing raw material acquisition, production processes, and utilization. Predominantly, heavy metals are introduced during post-processing activities, including the application of various metal complexes, mordant dyes, phthalocyanine structural dyes, fixing agents, catalysts, flame retardants, and finishing agents. These substances serve purposes ranging from water softening, resizing, and refining to diverse metal complex applications in bleaching, printing, and other textile processes.
In the case of natural fiber fabrics, heavy metals can stem from environmental pollution. Notably, heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic may contaminate natural fibers through environmental migration and bioaccumulation during the growth of plant fibers. This phenomenon underscores the potential sources of heavy metal contamination in natural fiber fabrics, emphasizing the significance of environmental Factors.
It is imperative to acknowledge the intricate nature of heavy metal contamination in textiles, where diverse processes and environmental factors contribute to the presence of these substances. This understanding is critical for developing comprehensive strategies to mitigate and manage heavy metal exposure in textile production and use
Hazards of Heavy Metals in Textiles:
Examining the poisoning principle of heavy metals reveals that common elements like copper and lead readily form macromolecular complexes in solutions, thereby disrupting the physiological activity of proteins and facilitating their accumulation within the human body. Volatile metals, such as mercury present in textiles, can infiltrate the human body through airborne particles and the respiratory tract. Epidemiological data underscore the carcinogenic potential of arsenic, chromium, cadmium, and nickel, while antimony and cobalt are identified as potential carcinogens. The impact of sweat or humidity further exacerbates the situation, leading to the absorption of free heavy metals and metal complex dyes by the skin, posing a significant threat to human health. This risk is particularly heightened in children due to their enhanced capacity for the digestion and absorption of heavy metals.
Upon absorption by the body, these metals tend to accumulate in vital organs such as the liver, bones, kidneys, heart, and brain, giving rise to a spectrum of adverse effects. These effects encompass headaches, dizziness, insomnia, forgetfulness, confusion, joint pain, stone formation, and various forms of cancer, including liver cancer, stomach cancer, intestinal cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, blackfoot disease, and developmental issues in children. The severity of the damage extends across multiple physiological systems, including the digestive system, urinary system, organs, skin, bones, and nervous system, underscoring the profound consequences of heavy metal exposure.
Limit Requirements for Heavy Metals in Textiles:
International Compliance:
OEKO - TEX Standard 100 is a globally standardised, independent testing and certification system for raw, semi-finished and finished textile products at all processing levels, and their accessories. STANDARD 100 certification provides targeted product stewardship support for companies in the textile chain with human-ecological product safety, based on a scientific criteria catalogue and neutral laboratory tests. For consumers and purchasers, the STANDARD 100 product label is reliable proof that textile products are tested in accordance with strict global standards to protect from harmful substances.
The OEKO-TEX Standard 100-2010 establishes a comprehensive ecological textile standard. This standard encompasses various heavy metals, and limit values are delineated based on the classification of textile products and the specific type of heavy metal in consideration.
In addition to international standards, different countries and regions have their own standards and measures for textile compliance.
China Textile Compliance:
The domestic standard GB/T 18885-2009, titled "Technical Requirements for Ecological Textiles," serves as a regulatory framework for heavy metal content in textiles, specifying limits for elements such as antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr). Additionally, stringent limitations have been imposed on the content of cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) in adherence to this standard.Notably, GB/T 18885-2009 explicitly prohibits the use of lead and lead alloys in metal accessories, emphasizing a stringent approach toward the inclusion of heavy metals in textile-related components.
US Textile Compliance:
US Textile Compliance: In the United States, textile compliance is regulated by various federal and state laws, ensuring that textiles meet established safety and quality standards.
Additionally, organizations such as the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) provide resources and guidance to companies on textile compliance practices, facilitating adherence to regulatory requirements and promoting consumer safety.
EU Textile Compliance:
In the European Union (EU), textile compliance is governed by stringent regulations aimed at safeguarding consumer health and environmental sustainability.
The Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation sets forth guidelines for the use of chemicals, including restrictions on heavy metals in textiles. Compliance with EU textile regulations requires thorough testing and documentation to ensure conformity with established standards, thereby enhancing consumer confidence in the safety and quality of textile products within the EU Market.
How can production and processing companies avoid excessive heavy metals in textiles?
Use Green Raw Materials: As producers of textile fiber raw materials, we prioritize the selection of land devoid of pollution or with minimal pollution when cultivating plant fibers. Textile enterprises rigorously manage the sourcing of natural cotton and linen raw materials, opting for those originating from environments free of pollutants.
Ensure Green Printing Methods and Known Green Dyes: As a textile fiber and processing enterprise, it is advisable to establish communication channels with manufacturers of dyeing chemicals and clothing accessories. Engage in systematic research to facilitate the selection of dyeing chemicals and accessories, leveraging product information provided by each manufacturer. In the textile fiber and processing domain, prioritize the avoidance of dyeing agents and clothing accessories that contain heavy metals.
Utilize Green Packaging Materials: To ensure packaging materials facilitate collection, reuse, and recycling, and promote resource recovery, it is essential to address the presence of heavy metals on such materials. Prioritize the utilization of recyclable and environmentally friendly packaging to mitigate reliance on non-decomposable heavy metals and plastics.
Quality Inspections: It is advisable for all companies to prioritize comprehensive product quality inspections. This entails conducting thorough self-inspections alongside engaging professional testing agencies to evaluate products, ensuring compliance with established standards. This proactive approach helps mitigate potential losses attributed to excessive heavy metal content in products and fosters consumer confidence in the market offerings.
Consumer Tips
Look at the tag: This initial step is fundamental yet often disregarded. Prior to purchasing clothing items, it is imperative to meticulously review the tags, labels, and other relevant information to gain a comprehensive understanding of the product. This seemingly straightforward action serves as the primary means to assess the manufacturer's credibility. The presence of detailed and clear labeling information reflects the manufacturer's commitment to quality and professionalism.
To Avoid Fading Clothes: When garments exhibit poor dye fastness, the dye may easily diminish and fade during use, adversely affecting their appearance. Furthermore, shed dye molecules or heavy metal ions pose potential health risks by absorption through the skin. It is advisable, whenever feasible, to opt for clothing featuring light colors and small patterns to mitigate these concerns.
To delve deeper into the details of heavy metal limits in textiles discussed in this article, you can refer to the following websites for more information:
AATCC：https://www.aatcc.org