Textile toxicants in environmental and human health

Abstract

The textile industry is a global activity. The production of fibres and manufacture of products takes place mainly in eastern countries, and the consumption of the products in western countries. A significant number of chemicals are needed in the production of fibres, to refine the materials in the processing stages, and to produce better quality products. In addition, different chemicals are used during their supply and transportation, and finally the consumers need chemicals to clean their textiles. A wide range of all textile chemicals is harmful to the environment, to the people working in the textile industry, and potentially to consumers. There is information about the toxicity of individual reagents, but limited information about the toxicity of textile materials and their adverse effects on textile workers. However, there are many studies on the environmental problems related to wastewater due to the presence of textile chemicals, and the removal of these chemicals is of importance. However, some chemicals from processing may remain on consumer products. Allergic reactions and irritation of the skin and respiratory tract are the most common harmful effects in workers in the textile industry. There is limited information about the toxic effects of different chemical combinations in textile materials. Different cell tests may be useful to indicate toxicity and to obtain information.