That Toxic Chemical Is So Cute, Where Did You Get It?!

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Did you know there is a chemical found in our clothing that is both toxic to fish and wildlife when it enters the water system and poses risks to our health? Neither did I! Nonylphenol ethoxylate is a chemical used during the production of textiles, as well as cosmetics, paints and coatings, prewash spotters, metalworking fluids and more¹. Greenpeace did a study in investigating the presence of NPE chemicals within products of popular fashion brands. Levi’s, Zara and Jack and Jones are a few clothing companies who were found to have the highest concentration of  NPE in their clothing². Why is this so alarming? Let’s first start with a basic question of what exactly NPEs are.

It is a man-made substance formulated by reacting two chemicals called nonylphenol and ethylene oxide¹. While NPEs do not pose much harm themselves, when the chemical breaks down, it releases the nonylphenol which is extremely toxic. The issue is that it sticks around for a long time and harms fish and wildlife³. In addition, nonylphenol is known as a cancer-causing chemical, causes irritation to our lungs, digestive system, skin and eyes, and disrupts the harmony of our hormones. ³

The main purpose of using NPEs is the fact that they are a surfactant, meaning they allow substances that don’t naturally mix well (like oil and water) to be able to disperse evenly within a liquid⁴. Therefore, during the textile process, it is most commonly used during the dying process allowing chemicals to mix well together and create perfect solutions for dyeing. While it is possible to wash out 99% of NPEs out of our clothing, the chemical then breaks down into the water system and continues its toxic cycle in harming fish and wildlife. While there are substitues¹, NPEs are the cheapest surfactant to use, meaning companies will most likely continue to use them. It’s important to be aware and investigate just exactly what you’re purchasing when buying that cute top or jeans during your next retail therapy experience.

References

1. Chemical Compliance Team. Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPE) in Imported Textiles. [Online] (2013), 1, Environment Agency. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/

attachment_data/file/296853/13_04_29_Rpt__NPE_textiles_summary_report_LIT_7721__5b9cd4.

pdf (accessed December 3, 2014).

2. Greenpeace Finds Toxic Chemicals on Leading Clothing Brands in China. [Online] (2012). China Economic Review, ShinoMedia. http://library.mtroyal.ca:2081/docview/1178808863?pq-%20%20%20%20%20%20origsite=summon (Accessed December 3, 2014).

3. Nonylphenol and Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (2011). http://www.toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia

/Nonylphenol+and+Nonylphenol+Ethoxylates (Accessed December 3, 2014).

4. Nonylphenol (NP) and Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) Action Plan. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2010). http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/RIN2070-ZA09_NP-NPEs%20Action%20Plan_Final_2010-08-09.pdf (Accessed December 3, 2014).

5. Nike and Adidas Take a Green Step: Water-less Dyeing Technology The New Global Textile Trend. [Online Image]. Consumer Instinct. (2012). http://www.consumerinstinct.com/nike-and-adidas-take-a-green-step-water-less-dyeing-technology-the-new-global-textile-trend/ (Accessed December 3, 2014)