As per a report by ENDS Europe hormone disrupting chemicals have been found in imported clothing, which are an ‘unacceptable risk’ to the environment. So, to tackle this, EU members states have all agreed to ban this toxic substance that is found widely in clothing. Everyone unanimously voted in favour of extending existing restrictions on nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) to imports of clothing and other textile products. This would also protect the sea life. Use of the chemical in textiles was banned in Europe 10 years ago. The substance though is still released in the seas through imported textiles being washed. This chemical is used in textile manufacture as a cleaning, dyeing and rinsing agent. NPE accumulates in the bodies of fish and disrupts their hormones, harming fertility, growth and sexual development.
Sweden had put forth the proposal in 2013. It was backed by scientists at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). A study by Greenpeace in 2011 found NPE in two-thirds of clothes tested. This included items sold by big brands such as H&M, Lacoste and Adidas, as well. Though the concentrations of NPE found in the clothing was low, the chemical’s ubiquity in the environment was a risk.
Five years after the European Commission adopts the ban on textiles, it will come in force. This is expected to happen next month.
