A recent study has found unnervingly high levels of lead in some fast fashion clothes. Shein and Temu have been reported to have exceeded the ‘safe’ lead limit in their clothes although research shows that there is no safe exposure to lead. The reason that companies use lead in their clothes is as a cost saving way of adding colour to clothes that remains after washes. Lead is also used in metal components like zips and buttons and there can be additions of lead from dust in factories.

The risks to lead exposure can include severe and irreversible damage, including lower IQ, learning disabilities and behavioural problems. The reason that children are at a greater risk too is that they are more likely to chew and suck their clothing which means that greater levels can be ingested.

The research studied 11 different clothing items from four retailers and found that all 11 items exceeded the 100 ppm limit of lead. They noted that the exposure was beyond the limit after wearing the item once and recognised that many children will wear clothing items numerous times per week for months on end in some cases. The total calculation of lead exposure is almost impossible to calculate so consumers are urged to avoid purchasing ‘bargain’ items.

Companies can instead use natural mordants to dye their clothes and keep them vibrant and these can come from fruits and natural products but of course, this is more costly than using lead.

1. What did researchers discover about clothing?

2. Why are brightly coloured clothes more risky?

3. How can children be exposed to lead from clothing?