26: The Toxicity of Textiles

We talk a lot about toxins on this podcast– from dangerous chemicals in the water we drink, the air we breathe, the food we eat, the furnishings we sit and sleep on, and our household and personal care products. But today we’re going to discuss a source of toxic exposure that’s often overlooked. Few of us have given any thought to the chemicals that are present in our clothes, footwear, home goods, or the fabrics we sleep on. Four in 10 people are unaware of how textiles or clothing are produced, and most consumers are unaware of the importance of testing for the 4,000 to  8,000 individual harmful chemicals that enter factories in countless formulations that are harmful to the planet and people, especially children, the elderly and allergy sufferers.

Our guest, Ben Mead, serves as the Managing Director of Hohenstein Institute America. Ben oversees the OEKO-TEX® (a textile certification that we dive deep into) responsibilities for the U.S. Whether it’s a pair of pants or a set of sheets, Ben explains why verifiable, third-party labels ensure a product has been tested for toxic chemicals. You’ll learn how voting with your wallet encourages textile chemical testing which has a positive impact on ourselves and future generations.