BRISTOL – Bleached Souls – A report by Clean Clothes Campaign Turkey – has put pressure on the Turkish denim industry after it revealed workers using Potassium Permanganate to create the faded look in denim were suffering skin and respiratory problems.
The chemical – classified as “dangerous” by the European Chemical Agency – is said to affect the lungs if inhaled repeatedly, resulting in symptoms similar to bronchitis and pneumonia. It has also been shown through animal testing that repeated exposure to the substance causes possible toxicity to human reproduction or development.
Anna Bryher, Labour Behind the Label’s advocacy director, said: “regulation and action are needed to protect the people who make our clothes.”
Already have an account? Log In
Recommended
Most Popular
Latest Magazine
Features
Why the EU’s regulatory push for longer-lasting clothes could enrich the wrong industry.
Textile dye recovery is technically real, but experts warn that it risks becoming a costly sideshow.
When profits wobble, fashion brands default on climate, pushing self-issued net-zero targets over the horizon.
News
A new evidence-based review challenges assumptions over organic cotton’s growth.
EU anti-fraud investigators help block the illegal export and dumping of thousands of tonnes of textiles.
SBTi’s new net-zero standard tightens rules on fashion’s climate claims
Opinion
Exclusive: Uzbek cotton cluster boss hails big reforms as human rights campaigners claim exploitation
Other publications from MCL News & Media
