Do your clothes contain lead? 20x allowable lead limit found in retail giant's clothes!

Shein is a popular fast fashion brand known for their cheap pricing, disregard for the environment and lack of transparency. The Chinese retail giant made $16 billion in 2021 based on their huge network of manufacturers that mass-produce trending clothing for low prices. Concerns regarding toxic chemicals in Shein’s products and clothing arose in 2021.

The University of Toronto in Canada conducted an investigation looking into 38 clothing items and accessories from a range of fast-fashion retailers. They discovered high levels of toxic chemicals such as lead, per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances and phthalates in products manufactured by AliExpress, Zaful and Shein. Lead is a toxic heavy metal which can have negative health related effects on humans. The allowable limit for lead in children’s products in Canada is 90mg/kg. The scientists identified 20 times the amount of lead than the allowable limit in a Shein jacket for toddlers, in addition a purse had 5 times the allowable limit.

As the lead was discovered in children’s products, it is particularly harmful if the children chew on the items. Lead is linked to reproductive and developmental issues, highlighting the importance pregnant people and children must avoid exposure. Furthermore, lead can lead to mood disorders, reduced sperm count/abnormal sperm activity, miscarriage, and stillbirth. The elevated levels of lead are particularly harmful for the garment workers being over exposed to the lead during the manufacturing process.

Shein responded to the investigation report in an email to CBC’s marketplace, stating they have removed the purse and jacket from being purchasable and would seize working with the relevant third-party suppliers until the issue was resolved. However, whether Shein has actually done this has not been verified as no further company updates on the matter have been made. Similar-appearing purses and jackets were available on Shein’s site in August of 2022.

Shein has also stated they now use materials identified as low lead risk and adhere to product safety standards in several countries (e.g., set by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Europe’s REACH, and other international regulatory agencies). In addition, they claim to be conducting 160,000 chemical tests on raw materials and discovered more than 99% of products were safe. Hence, it appears Shein is attempting to resolve the issue.

Despite Shein stating they do not tolerate labour-rights violations, it appears difficult for Shein to implement their proposed safety regulations unless they pay their suppliers more to ensure they comply with stricter labour policies.

It begs the question of how many other brands are manufacturing clothes containing hazardous chemicals? It appears toxic chemicals in clothing is more common than you think. Other common brands and products such as Lululemon leggings and yoga pants have been found to contain per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances also.

To avoid toxic chemicals in clothing, simply avoid fast fashion brands and shop at more sustainable brands or shop for second hand items from sustainable companies. Fast fashion brands are more likely to use unsafe dyes.

Let me know what your thoughts!