CCTV News exposed the shocking fact that some clothing products on the market contain carcinogens that exceed the legal limit by 20 times. These so-called "lethal poisonous clothes" have aroused deep public concern about the safety of daily wear.
Next, we will reveal the dangers of these carcinogens from a medical perspective and provide scientific guidance on purchasing and wearing clothing.
1. The presence of carcinogens in clothes
1. What are carcinogens?
Carcinogens generally refer to chemicals or mixtures that can increase the risk of cancer. They can cause genetic mutations and interfere with the normal growth and division process of cells by acting directly on DNA. The indirect effect of
may involve mechanisms such as chronic inflammatory response, changes in hormone levels, or immune system suppression.
These substances are widely present in the environment, including but not limited to industrial emissions, tobacco smoke, certain food additives, and daily products.
2. Carcinogens in Clothing
Chemical substances used in the production process of clothing, such as azo dyes, formaldehyde and certain heavy metals, are mainly used to enhance the color brightness of the product, maintain its shape and extend its service life.
Azo dyes can break down under certain conditions into aromatic amines, and formaldehyde is a known irritant, both of which are classified as possible human carcinogens by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer.
If these chemicals are used and washed improperly, they can remain in garments, and long-term exposure may pose a threat to the skin and overall health.
3. Review of exposure incidents
CCTV reports revealed the problem of excessive carcinogens in some clothing products on the market. The carcinogen content detected in some samples was more than 20 times the national safety standard.
This exposure not only exposed the neglect of product safety supervision by some clothing manufacturers, but also reminded consumers to be cautious when choosing and purchasing clothing.
Clothing safety issues are related to everyone's health, especially children and sensitive groups, who are more susceptible to the effects of these harmful substances.
2. The harm of carcinogens
1. Impact on the human body
Long-term exposure to carcinogens may cause a series of health problems. Direct skin contact with clothing containing excessive amounts of chemicals may cause allergic reactions such as rashes and itching, and severe cases may develop into chronic skin diseases.
The respiratory system may also be affected. Inhaling air containing volatile substances such as formaldehyde may cause symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and even asthma.
What’s even more serious is that certain carcinogens such as aromatic amines, accumulated over a long period of time, may increase the risk of skin cancer, bladder cancer and other cancers.
2. Risks for specific groups of people
Certain groups of people, such as children, pregnant women and people with low immunity, are more sensitive to carcinogens. Children's physiological functions are not yet fully mature, their metabolism is fast, their cells divide actively, and they are easily disturbed by harmful substances from the outside.
Changes in hormone levels and relative suppression of immune function in pregnant women may also make them more susceptible to the effects of chemical substances, which is not only related to the health of the mother, but may also affect the normal development of the fetus.
Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or patients with chronic diseases, have a weakened body's ability to resist foreign harmful substances and are therefore more sensitive to exposure to carcinogens, with correspondingly increased health risks.
3. How to identify and avoid "poisonous clothes"
1. Know the labels
When purchasing clothing, consumers should carefully check the product's ingredient label. These labels usually list all the materials and chemicals used in making the clothing, helping to identify the presence of potentially harmful substances.
It is more ideal to choose clothes made of natural fibers, because materials such as cotton and linen not only have good breathability, but are also less likely to use chemicals during processing.
In addition, natural fibers are more friendly to sensitive skin and reduce the risk of skin diseases.
2. Inspection report
Requesting or querying the quality inspection report of clothing from the merchant is an important step to ensure safety.These reports can prove whether the product has undergone necessary safety testing, including whether harmful substances have been detected to exceed standards.
A qualified inspection report will detail that the product complies with national or international consumer product safety standards, giving consumers confidence. If a merchant cannot provide such a report, then the safety of its product needs to be considered.
3. Cleaning prevention
Newly purchased clothes should be washed once or twice before wearing. During the cleaning process, it is recommended to use mild, non-irritating detergent and rinse thoroughly with sufficient water to remove chemicals that may be contaminated by the clothing during production and transportation.
For particularly delicate or high-end clothes, you can choose dry cleaning, but make sure that the dry cleaning service provider uses environmentally friendly and harmless cleaning agents.
4. Safe Buying Guide
Choose brands and merchants that are well-known and have good reputations. They tend to have stricter product quality control and comply with relevant laws and standards.
While products from these brands may be relatively expensive, investing in high-quality clothing is a responsible choice for your health and the environment in the long run.
At the same time, be wary of items with unusually low prices, because low prices often mean that manufacturers may have compromised on raw materials and production processes, which may include the use of low-cost but harmful chemicals.
Summary
The exposure of the "toxic clothes" incident is a warning to consumers and a challenge to the entire clothing industry. As consumers, we need to be more vigilant and learn to purchase and use clothing scientifically.
At the same time, regulatory authorities and clothing manufacturers should shoulder their own responsibilities to ensure the safety of clothing products and jointly safeguard the health and rights of consumers.
