Impact of Textile Product Emissions: Toxicological Considerations in Assessing Indoor Air Quality and Human Health

Abstract

The presence of an increasing number of chemicals has been detected in nearly all human life aspects. This affects human development, including physical and mental health and well-being. Considering that a normal person spends a substantial part of his/her life indoors, it is important to pay more attention to indoor air quality. Textiles used in interior spaces like beds and seat coverings, curtains, carpets, interior decoration, thermal insulation, moisture defence are believed to be one reason for the deterioration of indoor air quality. Poisonous chemicals are used in these textiles during dyeing, printing, and finishing procedures to reveal an obligatory useful feature to the fabric, like making cotton fabrics wrinkle-free, flame retardant, water repellent, waterproof, antistatic, antibacterial, etc. These chemicals may be released in indoor spaces due to air movement influences, temperature rise, and friction. Thus, the rigorous practice of these materials within the indoor spaces might disturb indoor air quality and cause health complications. The scientific literature concerning the possible antagonistic health consequences of chemical substances in the textile industry is mostly related to human exposure; evidence regarding consumers’ exposure is considerably limited. This reviewreflects evidence concerning the toxicological influences of textile emissions on indoor air quality and human health.