Detection of heavy metals and formaldehyde in fabric rolls usedA for manufacturing adult clothing

Abstract

Textile fabrics are treated with toxic heavy metals (e.g., lead, nickel, chromium, etc.) and chemicals like formaldehyde to impart certain desired fabric properties. If not removed from fabrics after application, they have been reported to cause diseases and discomfort. Because of these, it is important that the concentrations of heavy metals, formaldehyde, and pH levels in fabrics must meet the recommended limits. This study focuses on the determination and detection of metals and chemicals found in fabric rolls used to make clothing in South Africa. Heavy metal results showed that all fabrics contained heavy metals, except for brown polycotton fabric. The heavy metals concentrations in dark-blue polycotton fabric were higher than prescribed Oeko-Tex limits except for copper metal. White cotton, black polyester, and navy-blue wool fabrics exceeded the recommended limit for nickel. Chromium was found only in dark-blue polycotton and navy-blue wool fabric and its concentration exceeded the recommended limit only in dark-blue polycotton fabric whereas for navy-blue wool fabric it was below the limit. All fabrics contained formaldehyde, and its concentration was below the recommended limit. The pH of white cotton and black polyester fabrics was within the recommended range of 4 - 7.5 while that of dark-blue polycotton, brown polycotton, and dark-blue wool fabrics was above the limit.