When you pick up a trendy dress or a pair of affordable shoes online, you may not think about the chemicals used to make them. But recent investigations reveal that some fast fashion brands like Shein and Temu are selling clothing and accessories containing harmful substances, including carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.

These chemicals pose significant health risks, particularly for consumers who wear the clothes daily or for long periods.

Dangerous Levels of Toxic Substances

South Korean authorities recently tested 144 products from Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. The results were alarming. Some products contained toxic substances hundreds of times above acceptable levels. A pair of Shein shoes, for example, was found to contain phthalates at 229 times the legal limit. Phthalates, commonly used to soften plastics, are linked to reproductive harm, including infertility and premature births, according to a South Korean official Le Monde reports.

Formaldehyde, another toxic chemical, was found in Shein hats at levels double the legal threshold. It is classified as a carcinogen and can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues. Even children’s shoes sold by these brands were not spared. In one case, phthalate levels in a pair of shoes reached 428 times the permissible limit, according to testing by South Korean authorities HealthNews reports.

These findings are not limited to one country. European consumer protection groups have also found harmful chemicals in children’s clothing from Shein. Phthalates, lead, and other endocrine disruptors were detected in several items, raising concerns about the long-term health effects of wearing these clothes. A report from The Brussels Times revealed that nearly half of the children’s clothing tested exceeded safety limits.

 

The Health Risks Behind Fast Fashion

The chemicals found in fast fashion clothing have well-documented health risks. Phthalates, for example, can interfere with the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances. These chemicals are especially harmful to children, as their bodies are still developing. Formaldehyde, commonly used in textiles to prevent wrinkles, is another hazardous substance found in fast fashion. It is linked to cancer, skin irritations, and respiratory problems.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as "forever chemicals" because they don’t break down, have also been found in fast fashion garments. PFAS exposure has been linked to several health problems, including cancer, reproductive issues, and immune system deficiencies. According to The Guardian, these chemicals are often found in stain-resistant and water-repellent fabrics, which are common in fast fashion products.

In some cases, the exposure to these chemicals has been linked to severe allergic reactions. For instance, flight attendants at major airlines reported rashes, breathing problems, and migraines after wearing uniforms that were treated with multiple chemicals, including restricted dyes and flame retardants. A Harvard study confirmed that the health issues worsened after the introduction of the new uniforms, doubling the cases of chemical sensitivity among workers The Guardian reports.

 

Fast Fashion’s Environmental Toll

Beyond the direct health risks, fast fashion’s environmental impact also amplifies the problem. Most fast fashion brands, including Shein, rely heavily on synthetic fibers like polyester. These fabrics are derived from petroleum and contribute to significant greenhouse gas emissions. Shein’s business model, which introduces thousands of new products daily, exacerbates the environmental toll. The company's carbon footprint is equivalent to running 180 coal-fired power plants annually, according to TIME.

Moreover, the waste generated by the fast fashion industry is staggering. Millions of tons of clothing end up in landfills each year, and the toxic chemicals used in their production leach into soil and water supplies, further contaminating the environment.

What Can Be Done?

While individual consumers can take steps to reduce their exposure by choosing eco-friendly or organic brands, the larger issue requires systemic change. Governments need to enforce stricter regulations on the chemicals used in clothing production. The European Union has taken some steps, banning over 30 substances from being used in fashion, but the U.S. still lags behind. Advocacy groups are pushing for better transparency from fashion companies, demanding that they disclose the chemicals used in their products.

For now, experts recommend avoiding ultra-cheap, fast fashion brands, washing new clothes before wearing them, and steering clear of items with “anti-wrinkle” or “stain-resistant” finishes. These simple actions can help reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals, but they are only a stopgap solution.

Ultimately, consumers need to demand more accountability from the fashion industry. Until there is a widespread shift in how clothes are produced, fast fashion will continue to come with hidden, toxic costs.