Chemicals in textiles – Risks to human health and the environment

The report aims to compile information about risks to human health and the  environment from substances present in textile articles, such as clothing and household textiles. it covers information about the chemical management and chemical substances in textiles and possible risk reduction measures. One chapter is dedicated to the relevant national and EU legislation. In addition, some voluntary initiatives in the textile industry are described, such as ECO-labels and Restricted Substances Lists (RSLs). A separate chapter describes chemical substances used in production of textiles, release and exposure, assessment of risk and controlled and safe use.  The publication provides a comprehensive overview of the literature related to hazardous chemical substances in textile articles, possible health effects of carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic substances in textile articles. It is not specific to workers protection.