Hazardous chemistry concentrated in just 300 substances

WASHINGTON, DC – A new industry analysis has found that a relatively small group of chemicals accounts for most recorded uses in apparel and footwear supply chains, potentially giving brands, mills and chemical suppliers a more focused starting point for hazard assessment and substitution.

Researchers reviewed almost 44,000 substance entries and, after removing duplicates, identified 2,829 unique chemicals. Just 11% of those substances – roughly 300 chemicals – accounted for around 80% of recorded uses.