Auditing Office of the United States Finds Low Levels of Formaldehyde in Clothing
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On September 14, 2010, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report highlighting potential health risks associated with formaldehyde levels in textiles and apparel products, as reported by the China Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). This issue has raised concerns among consumers, particularly regarding the safety of everyday clothing items.
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong, pungent odor. Classified as a known carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is also listed as a harmful air pollutant under the Air Cleaning Act. While commonly used in medical settings, such as laboratories and mortuaries, it is also found in various other products, including wood, adhesives, paper coatings, and fabric treatments. Notably, it is often used to enhance the wrinkle resistance of fabrics, especially cotton.
Exposure to high levels of formaldehyde can lead to allergic reactions, including contact dermatitis, and may affect the immune system, causing symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Although the U.S. currently lacks specific limits on formaldehyde content in textiles, there are established standards for formaldehyde emissions in wood products.
According to the GAO report, out of 180 items tested, 94% of the clothing had formaldehyde levels below the strictest international standards—those applied in 13 countries. These standards include: 1) no detectable formaldehyde in clothing for infants and children under three years old; and 2) a maximum limit of 75 ppm for clothing that comes into direct contact with the skin of children over three or adults. During testing, only 10 items exceeded this threshold, with levels ranging from 75.4 ppm to 206.1 ppm. The items included three shirts, three pillowcases, two pants, one bed sheet, and one hat, with seven being pure cotton and three being cotton blends.
The findings align with similar tests conducted in the EU, Australia, and New Zealand, where pass rates were 96% and 97%, respectively. These results suggest that while most products meet safety standards, there is still room for improvement in regulating formaldehyde use in textile manufacturing. Consumers are encouraged to be aware of the materials they purchase and consider choosing products that meet stricter safety guidelines to reduce exposure risk.