Dressed to Kill: The Health Hazards of What You Wear
You Are What You Wear - Literally
We’ve long been told to be conscious of what we put in our bodies. But what about what we put on them? From that “buttery-soft” activewear set to your favourite distressed jeans, your wardrobe could be harbouring a hidden cocktail of toxic chemicals. And the effects aren’t just skin-deep.
In recent years, scientists, activists, and watchdog groups have raised alarms over the hazardous substances commonly used in fashion - many of which have been linked to endocrine disruption, cancer, reproductive harm, and environmental degradation. Your outfit, it turns out, might be more toxic than your ex.
PFAS: The ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Your Gym Gear
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment - or your body. Commonly used in water-resistant and stain-repellent fabrics (think rain jackets, wrinkle-free shirts, or “sweat-wicking” yoga pants), PFAS have been linked to serious health issues, including immune dysfunction, thyroid disease, and certain cancers.
A 2021 investigation by the Center for Environmental Health found PFAS present in over 60% of tested sportswear from major brands. These chemicals can leach into your skin with wear, enter waterways during laundry, and persist in the environment for generations.
Azo Dyes: Colourful but Carcinogenic
Azo dyes are widely used to achieve the vivid, saturated colours we associate with fast fashion. While not all azo dyes are hazardous, many can release aromatic amines - a group of compounds linked to bladder and liver cancer.
The European Union has already restricted 22 specific azo dyes for consumer safety. However, in countries with looser regulations (including the US and Australia), these dyes still show up in garments—particularly in fast fashion imports. And when these garments end up in landfill, the dyes can seep into soil and groundwater.
Formaldehyde: That “New Clothes Smell” Might Be Toxic
You know that fresh-from-the-store scent? It might be laced with formaldehyde - a known human carcinogen used to prevent wrinkling and shrinkage during shipping and display. Formaldehyde exposure can lead to skin irritation, respiratory issues, and increased cancer risk over long-term exposure, especially for garment workers and those with chemical sensitivities.
A 2010 study by the US Government Accountability Office found formaldehyde concentrations as high as 206 ppm (parts per million) in some imported clothing - far above the 75 ppm considered safe by the textile industry. While levels have improved in recent years, the lack of transparent labelling means it’s hard to know what’s in your clothes.
The Double Exposure: Health & Environment
The impacts aren’t confined to the wearer. The fashion industry’s toxic footprint disproportionately affects communities near textile factories, many of which are located in countries with lax environmental enforcement. Rivers in Bangladesh, India, and China have turned unnatural shades of blue, red, and black from untreated dye runoff. The Citarum River in Indonesia, once a vital water source, is now dubbed one of the world’s most polluted - largely due to textile waste.
And the toxins don’t stop at production. Every wash releases microfibres (often infused with residual chemicals), contributing to the 35% of ocean microplastic pollution traced back to synthetic textiles, according to the IUCN.
So, Is Anything Safe to Wear?
Not all clothing is a chemical minefield - but the lack of global regulation means consumers are often in the dark. Brands are not legally required to disclose the chemical treatments used on garments, making it hard to make informed choices. However, growing awareness has sparked a shift toward non-toxic fashion alternatives.
Look for:
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification (tests for harmful substances)
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for organic, chemical-free fibres
Bluesign® approved materials that meet strict environmental and safety criteria
Natural dyes and untreated fabrics, especially from slow fashion brands
The Case for Detoxing Your Wardrobe
The fashion industry has made strides in marketing “eco-friendly” clothing, but detoxing goes beyond swapping synthetic fibres for organic cotton. It’s about transparency, chemical safety, and long-term wellbeing.
The Detox My Fashion campaign, launched by Greenpeace in 2011, pressured dozens of major brands to phase out hazardous chemicals. However, voluntary pledges are only the beginning. According to the Fashion Transparency Index 2023, only 24% of brands disclose their processes for chemical management - leaving most consumers exposed to invisible risks.
Conclusion: The Problem Isn’t Just Fast Fashion - It’s What’s in It
When we talk about sustainability, conversations often centre on landfill, labour, and carbon. But what’s woven into our clothes deserves just as much scrutiny. Toxicity in fashion isn’t fringe - it’s threaded through mainstream supply chains.
Wearing clothing shouldn’t come with a side of endocrine disruptors or carcinogens. But without clearer regulation or labelling, the burden still falls on consumers to seek out better choices and demand transparency. It’s not about throwing everything out - it’s about becoming a more informed participant in what we wear, wash, and wrap around our bodies.
Fashion touches our skin every day. It’s time we treated it like the health and environmental issue it is.
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