Genre: Promotion

Beware toxic chemicals in imported clothing CHOICE says Australia lags behind overseas regulation CHOICE says that inadequate chemical regulation for imported textiles , clothing and footwear means that consumers are unaware that they could be wearing toxic chemicals . In a report into chemicals in textiles , clothing and footwear ( TCF ) , the people's watchdog says Australian chemical regulation lags behind other countries . As a result , Australians are exposed to higher risks of allergic reactions to chemicals in new clothes , footwear and even furniture . " Over ninety percent of the clothes on Australian shelves are imported . The trend for ' fast fashion ' also means that retailers are under pressure to put more stock on shelves , more often , " says CHOICE spokesperson , Ingrid Just . " That pressure , combined with our inadequate chemical regulation for apparel , means that consumers have less protection than people in other countries where regulation is stronger . " The European Union's ' EU Reach ' legislation regulates the use of more than 300 thousand harmful substances used in textile , clothing and footwear . EU Reach also sets maximum chemical limits for TCF products that come into contact with human skin . The situation in Europe contrasts with that in Australia , where 50 thousand substances are overseen by the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme ( NICNAS ) – the Australian equivalent of EU Reach . Additionally , in Australia , there are no legally prescribed limits for the use of those substances in textiles . The CHOICE report cites the case of a woman who suffered chemical burns from new ballet style shoes when they were wet from rain . Subsequent tests by Monash University showed that the shoes were treated with a fungicide and rubber accelerator which was released when the shoes came into contact with water . " A CHOICE member contacted us about her experience of suffering a burning sensation two hours after putting on a pair of new bowling shoes . She told the supplier , who dismissed the complaint , but she has since contacted the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ( ACCC ) . She has also sent the shoes away for testing . " Others have come forward – including the mum of a 10 year old boy who suffered large hives and welts after wearing a new school shirt before it was washed , " says Ms Just . One mould prevention chemical commonly found in shoes , jackets and furniture is dimethyl fumarate ( DMF ) . The chemical , which is often found in small satchels in the product packaging , has been linked to eczema . DMF is banned in the EU but its use is widespread in Australia . Industry stakeholders including the CSIRO , the RMIT University , the National Toxics Network and the Australian Wool Testing Authority have recently joined the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia ( TFIA ) to work on product safety , including chemicals in clothing . Bodies such as the TFIA and RMIT University have told CHOICE they are shocked by the lack of active Australian regulation . They say that , even though consumer reactions to chemicals in clothing and footwear are not rife , an issue that should n't exist at all is actually growing . " It would be impossible to import some of these chemicals to use in Australia , but there 's no problem in having the same chemicals arrive in an order of T shirts from overseas , " says Ms Just . CHOICE says anyone who has concerns about an item of clothing , textiles or footwear , should contact the retailer and the ACCC on 1300 303 609 . CHOICE's tips for consumers : 1 . Wash new clothes before you wear them – keep in mind though , that washing may not remove all chemicals . 2 . When buying for children , look for natural fibres , cotton , linen and wool . 3 . If concerned about allergic reactions , look for clothing made with organic cottons , with the use of natural vegetable dyes . 4 . Avoid ' stain or water resistant ' labelled clothing , unless the manufacturer provides details of the chemicals or processes used .