Formaldehyde Usage in Fashion Industry: Environmental and Health Implications

<p>Background<br>Fast fashion has transformed the clothing industry by providing consumers with trendy, affordable<br>clothing at a rapid pace. However, this industry heavily relies on chemicals like azo dyes, phthalates,<br>PFAS, and particularly formaldehyde, which present significant risks to human health and the<br>environment. Formaldehyde’s long-term impacts, specifically within the lifecycle of fashion products,<br>remain poorly understood, with limited public awareness.<br>Methods<br>This paper investigates the use of formaldehyde in fast fashion, emphasising its environmental and health<br>implications. Analysis focuses on the environmental contamination caused by formaldehyde-treated<br>textiles, including water pollution, landfill leaching, and indoor air quality issues. Additionally, it<br>examines formaldehyde’s carbon footprint to estimate its broader environmental impact.<br>Results<br>Findings highlight the health risks associated with formaldehyde exposure, including skin irritation,<br>respiratory issues, and other long-term health risks for both garment factory workers and consumers.<br>Current regulatory measures and industry standards aimed at reducing formaldehyde use in fast fashion<br>are reviewed, revealing significant shortcomings.<br>Conclusion<br>This study underscores the need for more sustainable practices within the fast fashion industry. It<br>recommends comprehensive lifecycle assessments to better understand and mitigate formaldehyde’s<br>environmental impact and advocates for stronger regulations to safeguard both human health and<br>environmental sustainability.</p>