CEN/TR 16741:2015

Textiles and textile products - Guidance on health and environmental issues related to chemical content of textile products intended for clothing, interior textiles and upholstery

This Technical Report specifies environmental and health recommendations for textile products (including accessories) with direct skin contact and in the surroundings of the human body.
This Technical Report facilitates the understanding of chemicals with intended uses in the manufacturing of goods in the fields of textile products intended to clothing, interior textiles and upholstery, to comply with the European chemical regulations and recommendations in force in EU.
WARNING: This Technical Report is not intended to substitute the existing regulations. The reader is requested to check the current existing regulation.
By suggesting that the textile market follows the ethos of this Technical Report, and thereby avoiding products containing unwanted substances, human health and the environment are protected in producing, supplying and importing countries to EU.
The distinguishing properties of the chemicals and the processes in which they are used (intended use substances) or they occur (unintended release substances) are described in this technical report.
This Technical Report mentions, when relevant, the existing standardised test methods commonly in use, as well as, the related limit values which are generally accepted.
NOTE 1.   When limit values are given, possible contamination by the external environment and inaccuracy in the measurement of very low concentration may be taken into consideration.
The listed substances of this Technical Report can be categorised in two: one related to intended use, another one related to unintended release.
NOTE 2.   For filling material such as "feather & down", refer to CEN TC 222 and, for other material used in clothing such as leather, refer to CEN TC 309, for toys, refer to CEN TC 252.

Textilien und textile Erzeugnisse - Anleitung für Gesundheits-und Umweltfragen in Bezug auf den Chemikaliengehalt von Textilerzeugnissen für Bekleidung, Heimtextilien und Polstermöbel

Textiles et produits textiles - Guide sur les conséquences environnementales et sur la santé liées aux substances chimiques présentes dans les produits textiles destinés à l’habillement, aux textiles d’intérieur et à l’ameublement

Le présent Rapport technique spécifie des recommandations environnementales et sanitaires applicables aux produits textiles (y compris les accessoires) en contact direct avec la peau et présents au voisinage du corps humain.
Il facilite la compréhension des substances chimiques prévues pour être utilisées dans la fabrication d’articles dans les domaines des produits textiles destinés à l’habillement, aux textiles d’intérieur et à l’ameublement, afin de se conformer à la réglementation européenne sur les substances chimiques et aux recommandations en vigueur dans l’Union européenne.
AVERTISSEMENT : le présent Rapport technique n’est pas destiné à remplacer les réglementations existantes. Le lecteur est invité à vérifier la réglementation actuellement en vigueur.
En recommandant au secteur du textile de s’inscrire dans l’esprit du présent Rapport technique, et en évitant ainsi que les produits contiennent des substances indésirables, la santé humaine et l’environnement seront protégés dans les pays producteurs, fournisseurs et importateurs dans l’UE.
Les propriétés particulières des substances chimiques et les processus dans lesquels elles sont utilisées (utilisation prévue des substances) ou au cours desquels elles apparaissent (libération involontaire des substances) sont décrits dans le présent Rapport technique.
Le présent Rapport technique mentionne, le cas échéant, les méthodes d’essai normalisées existantes communément utilisées, ainsi que les valeurs limites correspondantes, qui sont généralement reconnues.
NOTE 1 Lorsque des valeurs limites sont indiquées, il est possible de prendre en compte une contamination éventuelle par l’environnement extérieur de même que l’inexactitude de mesure de concentrations très faibles.
Les substances mentionnées dans le présent Rapport technique peuvent être divisées en deux catégories : l’une se rapportant à l’utilisation prévue, l’autre à la libération involontaire.
NOTE 2 Pour les matériaux de remplissage tels que « plumes et duvets », se référer au CEN/TC 222 et pour les autres matériaux utilisés dans l’habillement, tels que le cuir, se référer au CEN/TC 309 ; pour les jouets, se référer au CEN/TC 252.

Tekstilije in tekstilni izdelki - Napotki o zdravstvenih in okoljskih vprašanjih, povezanih s kemijsko vsebnostjo tekstilnih izdelkov, namenjenih za oblačila, notranje tekstilije in oblazinjenje

To tehnično poročilo določa okoljska in zdravstvena priporočila za tekstilne izdelke (vključno z dodatki), ki so v neposrednem stiku s kožo in blizu človeškega telesa.
To tehnično poročilo olajša razumevanje kemikalij, ki so predvidene za uporabo v proizvodnji blaga na področju tekstilnih izdelkov, namenjenih za oblačila, notranje tekstilije in oblazinjenje, za skladnost z evropskimi predpisi in priporočili glede kemikalij, ki veljajo v EU.
OPOZORILO – To tehnično poročilo ni namenjeno kot nadomestilo za obstoječe predpise. Bralec naj preveri trenutne obstoječe predpise.
Če bo tekstilni trg upošteval moralna načela iz tega tehničnega poročila in se izogibal uporabi neželenih snovi v proizvodnji tekstilnih izdelkov, se bo povečala stopnja zaščite človeškega zdravja in okolja.
V tem tehničnem poročilu so opisane razlikovalne lastnosti kemikalij in postopkov, v katerih se uporabljajo (predvideno uporabljene snovi) ali v katerih nastanejo (nenamerno sproščene snovi). To tehnično poročilo, kjer je ustrezno, navaja obstoječe najpogosteje uporabljane standardizirane metode preskušanja in povezane splošno sprejete mejne vrednosti. V glavnem besedilu je navedena samo identifikacijska številka standarda, povezan naslov pa je naveden v bibliografiji.
OPOMBA 1: Ko so podane mejne vrednosti, se lahko upošteva morebitno onesnaženje zaradi zunanjega okolja in nenatančnosti pri meritvah zelo nizkih koncentracij.
Navedene snovi iz tega tehničnega poročila je mogoče razvrstiti na dva dela: prvi je povezan s predvideno uporabo, drugi pa z nenamernim izpustom.
OPOMBA 2: V tem tehničnem poročilu je za nekatere snovi navedena vključitev na seznam kandidatnih snovi Uredbe EU REACH (ES) št. 1907/2006. To ne pomeni nujno, da snov, pri kateri takšne navedbe ni, ne bo vključena na seznam kandidatnih snovi v prihodnosti (redno poteka vključevanje novih snovi na seznam).
OPOMBA 3: Za polnilni material, kot sta »perje in puh«, glej CEN TC 222 in za drug material, uporabljen za oblačila, kot je usnje, glej CEN TC 309, za igrače glej CEN TC 252.

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 11-Aug-2015
• Withdrawal Date: 13-Apr-2025
• ICS: 59.080.01 - Textiles in general
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 248 - Textiles and textile products
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 248/WG 26 - Methods of test for phthalates
• Current Stage: 9960 - Withdrawal effective - Withdrawal
• Start Date: 12-Feb-2025
• Completion Date: 14-Apr-2025
• Ref Project: SIST-TP CEN/TR 16741:2015 - Textiles and textile products - Guidance on health and environmental issues related to chemical content of textile products intended for clothing, interior textiles and upholstery

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2015
7HNVWLOLMHLQWHNVWLOQLL]GHONL1DSRWNLR]GUDYVWYHQLKLQRNROMVNLKYSUDãDQMLK
SRYH]DQLKVNHPLMVNRYVHEQRVWMRWHNVWLOQLKL]GHONRYQDPHQMHQLK]DREODþLOD
QRWUDQMHWHNVWLOLMHLQREOD]LQMHQMH
Textiles and textile products - Guidance on health and environmental issues related to
chemical content of textile products intended for clothing, interior textiles and upholstery
Textilien und textile Erzeugnisse - Anleitung für Gesundheits-und Umweltfragen in Bezug
auf den Chemikaliengehalt von Textilerzeugnissen für Bekleidung, Heimtextilien und
Polstermöbel
Textiles et produits textiles - Guide sur les conséquences environnementales et sur la
santé liées aux substances chimiques présentes dans les produits textiles destinés à
l’habillement, aux textiles d’intérieur et à l’ameublement
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TR 16741:2015
ICS:
59.080.01 Tekstilije na splošno Textiles in general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

TECHNICAL REPORT
CEN/TR 16741
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
August 2015
ICS 59.080.01
English Version
Textiles and textile products - Guidance on health and
environmental issues related to chemical content of textile
products intended for clothing, interior textiles and upholstery
Textiles et produits textiles - Guide sur les conséquences Textilien und textile Erzeugnisse - Anleitung für
environnementales et sur la santé liées aux substances Gesundheits-und Umweltfragen in Bezug auf den
chimiques présentes dans les produits textiles destinés à Chemikaliengehalt von Textilerzeugnissen für Bekleidung,
l'habillement, aux textiles d'intérieur et à l'ameublement Heimtextilien und Polstermöbel

This Technical Report was approved by CEN on 14 May 2015. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 248.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United
Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2015 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TR 16741:2015 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword .4
Introduction .5
1 Scope .6
2 Terms and definitions .6
3 General recommendations .7
3.1 CMR chemicals .7
3.2 PBT and vPvB substances .7
3.3 SVHC (“Substances of Very High Concern”) .7
4 Specific criteria for textile products .8
4.1 Formaldehyde . 14
4.1.1 General . 14
4.1.2 Why is it a critical substance? . 14
4.1.3 Regulation/Specific tests method . 15
4.2 Chlorophenols (pentachlorophenol, isomers of tetrachlorophenol) . 15
4.2.1 General . 15
4.2.2 Why is PCP a critical substance? . 15
4.2.3 Regulation/Specific tests method . 15
4.3 Orthophenylphenol (OPP) . 16
4.3.1 General . 16
4.3.2 Why is it a critical substance? . 16
4.3.3 Tests method . 16
4.4 Heavy metals . 16
4.4.1 General . 16
4.4.2 Extractable heavy metals . 17
4.4.3 Total heavy metal . 17
4.4.4 Antimony -Sb . 17
4.4.5 Arsenic – As . 18
4.4.6 Barium – Ba . 19
4.4.7 Cadmium – Cd . 20
4.4.8 Chromium – Cr . 21
4.4.9 Cobalt – Co . 22
4.4.10 Copper – Cu . 23
4.4.11 Lead – Pb . 24
4.4.12 Mercury – Hg . 26
4.4.13 Nickel – Ni . 27
4.4.14 Selenium – Se . 30
4.5 Flame retardants . 30
4.5.1 General . 30
4.5.2 Why is it a critical substance? . 30
4.5.3 Regulation/Specific test methods . 31
4.6 Carcinogenic dyes, suspected dyes and derived substances . 31
4.6.1 General . 31
4.6.2 Carcinogenic amines derived from azo colorants . 32
4.6.3 Carcinogenic colorants and colorants suspected to be carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic
to reproduction . 32
4.6.4 Sensitizing colorants . 33
4.7 Sensitizing substances (others than colorants) . 34
4.8 Pesticides, herbicides and fungicides . 34
4.8.1 General . 34
4.8.2 Why is it a critical substance? . 35
4.8.3 Regulation/Specific test methods . 35
4.9 Chloroorganics including carriers (chlorinated benzenes, chlorinated toluenes and

chlorinated naphtalenes) . 37
4.9.1 General . 37
4.9.2 Why is it a critical substance? . 37
4.9.3 Regulation/Specific tests method . 37
4.10 Phthalates. 38
4.10.1 General . 38
4.10.2 Why is it critical? . 38
4.10.3 Regulations / Specific test method . 38
4.11 Organotin compounds . 39
4.11.1 General . 39
4.11.2 Why is it critical? . 39
4.11.3 Regulations / Specific test method . 39
4.12 Perfluorooctanesulfonates (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) . 40
4.12.1 General . 40
4.12.2 Why is it a critical substance? . 40
4.12.3 Regulations/Test method. 41
4.13 Dimethylfumarate (DMFu) . 41
4.13.1 General . 41
4.13.2 Why is it a critical substance? . 41
4.13.3 Regulation/Specific test methods . 42
4.14 Alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEO) . 42
4.14.1 General . 42
4.14.2 Why are APEO critical substances? . 43
4.14.3 Regulations/Test methods. 43
4.15 Residual solvents . 43
4.15.1 General . 43
4.15.2 Why is it critical? . 43
4.15.3 Regulations / Specific test method . 44
5 Others . 44
5.1 pH . 44
5.1.1 General . 44
5.1.2 Why is it critical? . 44
5.1.3 Regulation/Specific tests method . 44
5.2 Colour fastness in relation to acidic and alkaline perspiration (recommendation for

screening). 44
5.3 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (screening when strong odour) . 44
5.3.1 General . 44
5.3.2 Why is it critical? . 45
5.3.3 Regulations / Specific test method . 45
Annex A (informative) Risk phrases . 46
Annex B (informative) Criteria for the identification of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic

substances, and very persistent and very bioaccumulative substances . 47
B.1 General . 47
B.2 PBT substances . 47
B.3 vPvB substances . 48
Bibliography . 49

European foreword
This document (CEN/TR 16741:2015) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 248 “Textiles and
textile products”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Introduction
In 2003, the company CREM (Consultancy and Research for Environmental Management, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands) started reviewing a selected number of European standards to identify relevant environmental
concerns which should be addressed. Horizontal requirements were drafted during the continuing work on
draft standards. These horizontal requirements comprise, among others, CMR chemicals (carcinogenic,
mutagenic and toxic to reproduction), PBTs and vPvB substances (persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic and
very persistent and very bioaccumulative substances) and substances identified as causing serious and
irreversible effects to humans or the environment equivalent to the effects mentioned on a case-by-case
basis, such as endocrine disrupters.
CEN/TC248 has decided to adopt the proposal included in the study as a technical report with general
requirements for textile products with direct skin contact.
The working group extended the scope of the technical report to textile products in the proximity of the human
body .
In this technical report, the wording ‘textile product’ is used, as defined in the Textile Fibre Regulation (EU) No
1007/2011. In the parts where REACH is described, the wording ‘textile article’ is used in the same meaning.
Thus, in the context of this technical report ‘textile product’ and ‘textile article’ are the same.
1 Scope
This Technical Report specifies environmental and health recommendations for textile products (including
accessories) with direct skin contact and in the proximity of the human body.
This Technical Report facilitates the understanding of chemicals with intended uses in the manufacturing of
goods in the fields of textile products intended to clothing, interior textiles and upholstery, to comply with the
European chemical regulations and recommendations in force in EU.
WARNING — This Technical Report is not intended to substitute the existing regulations. The reader is
requested to check the current existing regulation.
By suggesting that the textile market follows the ethos of this Technical Report, and thereby avoiding the use
of unwanted substances in the manufacture of textile products, the level of protection of human health and of
environment will be increased.
The distinguishing properties of the chemicals and the processes in which they are used (intended use
substances) or they occur (unintended release substances) are described in this technical report.
This Technical Report mentions, when relevant, the existing standardized test methods commonly in use, as
well as, the related limit values which are generally accepted. Only the standard identification number is given
in the main text and the related title is listed in Bibliography.
NOTE 1 When limit values are given, possible contamination by the external environment and inaccuracy in the
measurement of very low concentration may be taken into consideration.
The listed substances of this Technical Report can be categorised in two: one related to intended use, another
one related to unintended release.
NOTE 2 Inclusion in the candidate list of EU REACH Regulation (EC) n°1907/2006 has been mentioned in this
Technical Report for some substances. This does not necessarily mean that a substance, for which such a note is not
made, would not be included in the candidate list in the future (new substances are regularly included in the list).
NOTE 3 For filling material such as “feather & down”, refer to CEN TC 222 and, for other material used in clothing such
as leather, refer to CEN TC 309, for toys, refer to CEN TC 252.
2 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
2.1
textile clothing and accessories
clothing and accessories (such as handkerchiefs, scarves, bags, shopping bags, rucksacks, belts etc.)
consisting of at least 80 % by weight of textile fibres
[SOURCE: EU fibre composition Regulation (EC) n°1007/2011]
2.2
interior textiles, textile products for interior use
textile products for interior use: textile products for interior use consisting of at least 80 % by weight of textile
fibres; wall and floor coverings are excluded
[SOURCE: EU fibre composition Regulation (EC) n°1007/2011]
2.3
fibres, yarn and fabric
intended for use in textile clothing and accessories or interior textiles
Note 1 to entry: For ‘textile clothing and accessories’ and for ‘interior textiles’: down, feathers, membranes and
coatings need not be taken into account in the calculation of the percentage of textile fibres.
2.4
CMR chemical
chemical (substance or substance mixtures) belonging to at least one of three different categories:
Carcinogenic, Mutagenic and Reprotoxic (toxic to reproduction)
Note 1 to entry: CMR chemicals are classified according to EU Classification Labelling Packaging Regulation (EC)
n°1272/2008 and are covered by the following R-phrases: R40, R45, R46 R49, R60, R61, R62, R63 and R68 (see
Annex A).
2.5
PBT and vPvB substances
Persistent, Bio accumulative and Toxic substances and very Persistent and very Bio accumulative substances
Note 1 to entry: The terms of PBT and vPvB substances are defined in EU REACH Regulation (EC) n°1907/2006
2.6
Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)
substances which should be treated with equivalent concern as CMR chemical and PBT and vPvB
substances.
Note 1 to entry: These substances for which there is scientific evidence of probable serious effect to human health or
the environment which give rise to an equivalent level of concern to CMR and/or PBT and/or vPvB substances.
3 General recommendations
3.1 CMR chemicals
The product should not contain or release any carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic chemicals (CMR
chemicals) in amounts exceeding 0,1 % by weight of the whole product.
3.2 PBT and vPvB substances
The product should not contain any PBT and vPvB substances which meet the criteria in Annex XIII of EU
REACH Regulation (EC) n°1907/2006, in amounts exceeding 0,1 % by weight of the whole product.
3.3 SVHC (“Substances of Very High Concern”)
SVHC are defined in Article 57 of EU REACH Regulation (EC) n°1907/2006 and include substances which
are:
— Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or toxic to Reproduction (CMR), meeting the criteria for classification in category
1 or 2 in accordance with Directive 67/548/EEC. This directive was recently replaced by the new EU
Classification Labelling Packaging Regulation (EC) n°1272/2008 on classification, labelling and
packaging of chemical substances and mixtures, the so-called CLP Regulation. According to the new
CLP Regulation these substances shall be classified as 1a or 1b.
— Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) or very Persistent and very Bioaccumulative (vPvB)
according to the criteria in Annex XIII of EU REACH Regulation (EC) n°1907/2006,
— Identified, on a case-by-case basis, from scientific evidence as causing probable serious effects to
human health or the environment of an equivalent level of concern as those above (e.g. endocrine
disrupters, allergenic substances and sensitizing substances)
NOTE The list of identified substances of very high concern is updated regularly. The current listing can be found at
http://echa.europa.eu/candidate-list-table. The obligations relating to placing on the market articles containing SVHC
substances can be reviewed on ECHA webpages. Uses of some SVHCs in the EU require authorization. More information
on this can also be found at http://echa.europa.eu/ .
4 Specific criteria for textile products
The criteria are listed in Table 1 in relation to the type of fibres and in Table 2 in relation to the type of finishing
and accessories.
Table 1 — Criteria in relation to the type of fibres
a)
Type of fibres
natural fibres man-made fibres
Criteria Animal fibres Cellulose Polyester Polyamide Acetate; Acrylic Viscose Elastane Elastodiene
fibres
Triacetate
Formaldehyde X X     X
Azo dyes X X X X X X X
Extractable heavy metals
Cd  X X X X X X
As  X
Hg  X
Ni  X
Cu  X  X
Pb   X    X
Cr X   X
Co X X  X
Sb   X
Chromium (VI) X   X
Chlorinated Phenols
PCP, TeCP, TriCP X X X X X X X
OPP X X X X X X X
Carcinogenic dyes X X X X X X X
Allergenic Disperse   X X X X
dyes
Chlorinated benzenes   X X X X
and toluenes
Organotin compounds X X X X X X X X
Flame retardants X X X X X X X
Acrylonitrile      X
Pesticides X X
Herbicides  X
Dimethylformamide
X
(DMF)
Dimethylfumarate
X x X X X X X
(DMFu)
APEO X X X X X X X
DMA      X X X
b)
PFOS X X X X X X X
PAH   X X X X X X X
a)
In case of fibre blends, all criteria related to the fibre of the blends have to be considered.
b)
only for water-, oil- and dirt- repellent finish or coated
Table 2 — Criteria in relation to the type of finishing and components used on textile products (buttons, slide fasteners, buckles, etc.)
Type of finishing or accessories
galvani Polyure Glass
Criteria
rubbers
Leather coated Coated painted
Prints a) metalic zed Plastic wood thane
fabrics metal metal
ABS (foam)
Formaldehyde X X X      X X
Azo dyes X X X       X X
4,4'-Diaminodiphenylmethane          X X
Extractable heavy metals
Cd X  X X X  X X X   X
As    X X    X   X
Hg         X
Ba            X
Se            X
Ni X   X X X X     X
Cu X X
Pb X X          X
Cr X X
Co X           X
Sb X  X         X
Chromium (VI)  X X  X X      X (glue)
Soluble mineral tanning agents Al, Cr,
X
Ti, Zr
Ni   X X  X X
Ni wear    X X  X
Total Cd X  X X X X X X  X
Lead in paint       X
Total lead X X X X X  X X  X
Phthalates X  X
Phthalates (Child care articles) X  X     X
Chlorinated Phenols:PCP, TeCP X X X      X
OPP X X X
Allergenic Disperse dyes   X
Chlorinated benzenes and toluenes X  X
Organic Tin compounds X X X     X  X X
Table 3 — Criteria in relation to the type of finishing and components used on textile products (buttons, slide fasteners, buckles, etc.)
Type of finishing or accessories

Criteria
rubbers Glass
a) coated Coated galvanized painted Polyurethane
Prints Leather metallic Plastic wood
fabrics metal ABS metal (foam)

Nitrosamines           X
Chloroalcanes  X      X
Dimethylformamide
X
(DMF)
Dimethylfumarate
X X
(DMFu)
PAH's X X X     X   X
a)
leather mentioned only for comparison –refer to document CEN TC309
4.1 Formaldehyde
4.1.1 General
Formaldehyde is a volatile colourless gas, that occurs naturally in small quantities in the atmosphere and in
nature.
Urea (UF) and melamine formaldehyde (MF) resins are sometimes applied in the textile industry as a finishing
to make clothes resistant to wrinkles and stains.
In addition, formaldehyde-based resins are used to help to bind dyes and pigments to fabrics and prevent the
colours from running when clothing is washed.
Formaldehyde is also a building block chemical used in the production of other substances used to make
textiles, such as 1,4-Butanediol, or BDO . BDO is an intermediate in the production of tertahydrofuran (THF)
resins which are used to produce elastane fibres and similar types of sportswear materials.
For examples, common textile fabrics that may contain formaldehyde are made of Cotton, Flax, Viscose
(regenerated cellulose) and other cellulosic fibres.
The emission of formaldehyde from same materials is related to:
— Easy-care treatment on cellulosic fibres;
— Flame retardant treatment on cellulosic fibres;
— Pigment printing on any kind of fibres
— Binders in coated fabrics
Occurrence:
— Dyes, pigments and printing pastes
— Epoxy and phenolic resins
— Fabrics chemically treated for dirt-repellence, durable flame retardant treatment, from fixing agents.
— Fabrics chemically treated with resins for shrinkage-resistance, wrinkle-resistance, antistatic treatment,
from fixing agents.
— Preservative
4.1.2 Why is it a critical substance?
Formaldehyde is a human carcinogen that also can cause skin, nasal and eye irritation and allergy.
As an example of skin irritation, this can be a frequent problem in manufacturing, especially where jacketry is
pressed on a dolly by hand.
As an example of nasal irritation, this can be, “fishy” smelling textiles, but unpleasant only, occurring in sales
floor.
4.1.3 Regulation/Specific tests method
Based on several regulations (national or regional), the textile parts of the product should not contain
formaldehyde which can be released in quantities higher than a limit determined between 16 to 300 ppm (in
relation to the concerned country, indicative values according to EN ISO 14184-1 (free and hydrolised
formaldehyde) or EN ISO 14184-2 (released formaldehyde)or technically identical test method).
The limits should be fixed at lower levels in the case of babies and infants in comparison with adults.
Sources (non-exhaustive list): legislations from Austria, Germany, South Korea, Finland, Norway,
Netherlands, Japan, China / European decision: EU Commission Decision 2014/350/EC of 5 July 2014
establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for textile products.
Test methods: EN ISO 14184-1 and EN ISO 14184-2
4.2 Chlorophenols (pentachlorophenol, isomers of tetrachlorophenol)
4.2.1 General
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a synthetic substance that was first produced in the 1930s. It can be found in
two forms: PCP itself or as the sodium salt of PCP, which dissolves easily in water. In the past, it has been
used as a herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, algaecide, disinfectant and as an ingredient in antifouling paint.
Some applications were in agricultural seeds (for non-food uses), leather, masonry, wood, cooling tower
water, rope and paper mill system.
TeCP is often used to replace the PCP.
4.2.2 Why is PCP a critical substance?
Short-term exposure to large amounts of PCP can cause harmful effects on the liver, kidneys, blood, lungs,
nervous system, immune system, and gastrointestinal tract. Contact with PCP (particularly in the form of
vapour) can irritate the skin, eyes, and mouth. Long-term exposure to low levels such as those that occur in
the workplace can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, blood, and nervous system. Finally exposure to PCP is
also associated with carcinogenic, renal, and neurological effects.
PCP is classified in the group of probable human carcinogen.
4.2.3 Regulation/Specific tests method
PCP (CAS No 87-86-5) is restricted under the EU REACH Regulation (EC) n°1907/2006, Annex XVII. PCP
shall not be placed on the market, or used, as a substance or as a constituent in other substances, or
mixtures, in a concentration equal to or greater than 0,1 % by weight.
PCP is regulated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Switzerland and by many
ecological labels in textile and leather products (not detected – 5ppm depending on countries and type of
products).
TeCP is regulated only in Switzerland (not detected) but also by many ecological labels (0,05 ppm – 5 ppm).
Based on regulation or some ecological labels, the textile parts of the product should not contain
chlorophenols, such as pentachlorophenol, tetrachlorophenol, which can be released in quantities higher than
a limit determined between 0,05 ppm to 5 ppm (in relation to the concerned country).
Sources: regulations from European Union, European decision: European Ecolabel for textile products.
Test methods: no European standardized method available for textiles (some are national such as XP G08-
015 – France, UNI 11057 — Italy), EN ISO 17070 for leather.
4.3 Orthophenylphenol (OPP)
4.3.1 General
2-Phenylphenol, or o-phenylphenol, is an organic compound that consists of two linked benzene rings and a
phenolic hydroxyl group. It is a biocide used as a preservative.
The primary use of 2-phenylphenol is as an agricultural fungicide. It is also used for disinfection on fibres and
other materials. It is used to sterilize hospital and veterinary equipment. Other uses are in rubber industry and
as a laboratory reagent. It is also used in the manufacture of other fungicides, dyestuffs, resins and rubber
chemicals.
The sodium salt of ortho-phenylphenol, sodium ortho-phenylphenol, is used as a preservative.
4.3.2 Why is it a critical substance?
Eye contact can cause severe irritation and burns with possible eye damage. For some individuals, 2-
phenylphenol can also irritate the skin. It is one of the chemicals that the Hyperactive Children's Support
Group recommends be eliminated from the diet of children.
4.3.3 Tests method
Some laboratories use the same method as for PCPs (i.e. EN ISO 17070).
The only known limits are the ones proposed by one ecological label: 50ppm for baby clothes; 100 ppm for
others.
Test methods: no European standardized method available for textiles, EN ISO 17070 for leather.
4.4 Heavy metals
4.4.1 General
Toxic effects of heavy metals on human health are very well known. Once absorbed by humans, heavy metals
tend to accumulate in internal organs such as the liver or kidney. The effects on health can be tremendous
when high levels of accumulation are reached, damages of organs, disorders in the respiratory tract and lung
diseases, dysfunction of the heart, blood and blood producing organs, skin diseases and some others.
Children tend to absorb the heavy metals more than the adults, which put them to higher risk of health
problem.
Metals may be introduced into textiles through dyeing and finishing processes. They are constituents of some
dyes and pigments. Sometimes, natural fibres (like cotton, flax and hemp) also have traces of heavy metals,
which are absorbed by the plants from the artificial fertilizers through soil.
For the metal determination, it is possible to follow two different approaches:
Due to the toxicity of some heavy metals, guidelines for tolerable amounts of these metals in textile products
have been provided and are being adopted by countries and/or companies all over the world.
Heavy metals very often referred in companies’ specifications and ecological labels are: Antimony (Sb),
Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Copper (Cu), Total Chromium, Chromium (Cr) VI,
Cobalt (Co) and Nickel (Ni).
Despite heavy metals' toxicity is well known, only a few heavy metals are legislated on articles. Some metals
are restricted under the EU REACH Regulation (EC) n°1907/2006, Annex XVII and this restriction are for
textiles articles or articles that can be used as accessories in textiles articles.
Some arsenic, cadmium and chromium compounds, for example, are included in the EU REACH Regulation
(EC) n°1907/2006 Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). The list is regularly updated
and the current list can be found at http://echa.europa.eu/candidate-list-table.
Concerning the environmental impact of the textiles it should be kept in mind that, at the end of life the textiles
can contribute in a negative way to the environment, but this impact can be kept at a minimum if we restrict
the added quantity.
4.4.2 Extractable heavy metals
It is the amount of metals that can be extracted from a material or a product using an extraction solution. The
test method includes first an extraction of the sample and after a metal quantification. The choices of the
extraction solution depend on the test goal. For examples:
— hydrochloric acid solution to simulate ingestion;
— artificial perspiration to simulate the wear;
— synthetic saliva solution to simulate the sucking.
This approach is found in the following published standards: EN 71-3; Germany: DIN 54233-2, DIN 54233-3
(will be replaced by EN 16711-2), DIN 54233-4; EN 16711-1 (under preparation); EN 16711-2 (under
preparation), EN 1811, ISO 5398 (leather).
4.4.3 Total heavy metal
It is the total amount of metals contained in a material or a product. The test method includes first a total
digestion of the sample and after a metal quantification.
This approach is found in the following published standards: DIN 54233-1 (Germany, will be replaced by
EN 16711-1), EN 62321, EN 1122, EN 14602 (footwear) and in the following test methods: CEN/CR 13695-1
(packaging) USA: CPSC-CH-E1001-08 (Pb in children’s metal products), CPSC-CH-E1002-08 (Pb in non-
metal children’s products), CPSC-CH-E1003-09 (Pb in paint), ASTM E1645-01.
4.4.4 Antimony -Sb
4.4.4.1 General
Antimony is a chemical element in the periodic table with the symbol Sb and atomic number 51.The most
important use of antimony is in chemicals used to impregnate plastics, textiles, rubber, and other materials as
a flame retardant. Antimony is also used for pigments in plastics, paints, rubber, ceramics, enamels, a wide
variety of alloys, electronics and for a wide variety of minor uses, including medicines, fireworks, and others.
Antimony is used as catalyst in the production of polyester textile fibres.
4.4.4.2 Why is it a critical substance?
Antimony and many of its compounds are toxic. Clinically, antimony poisoning is very similar to arsenic
poisoning. In small doses, antimony causes headache, dizziness, and depression. Larger doses cause violent
and frequent vomiting, and will lead to death in a few days.
4.4.4.3 Regulation/Specific tests method
Table 4 summarizes the information related to regulation and test methods.
Table 4 — Regulation and Specific test methods related to Antimony
Maximum
Metal Regulation Test method Material
allowed
Council Directive
88/378/EEC of 3 May 1988
Category III
Extractable substituted by
(mg/kg)
EN 71–3 Toys
Antimony
EU Toy safety directive (EC)
n°48/2009 (Part III of the
Annex II)
Commission Decision
2009/598/EC of 9 July 2009
Extractable
establishing the ecological
DIN 54233-3 bed mattresses 0,5 mg/kg
Antimony criteria for the award of the
European Ecolabel for bed
mattresses
4.4.5 Arsenic – As
4.4.5.1 General
Arsenic is a chemical element with the symbol As and the atomic number 33. This is a notoriously poisonous
metalloid but it is more commonly found as arsenide and arsenate compounds.
Arsenic has had several major industrial uses as an essential component of animal feed (to promote growth),
herbicides and pesticides, defoliant, lead batteries, metal alloys, semiconductors, wood preservatives, as well
as glass manufacturing.
4.4.5.2 Why is it a critical substance?
Arsenic and many of its compounds are especially potent poisons. Arsenic disrupts ATP production through
several mechanisms. Elemental arsenic and arsenic compounds are classified as “toxic” and “dangerous for
the environment” in EU directive n°67/548/EEC.
4.4.5.3 Regulation/Specific tests method
Table 5 summarizes the information related to regulation and test methods.
Table 5 — Regulation and specific tests method related to arsenic
Metal Regulation Test method Material Maximum allowed
Council Directive
88/378/EEC of 3 May 1988
Category III (mg/kg)
Extractable substituted by
EN 71–3 Toys
arsenic
EU Toy safety directive
(EC) n°48/2009 (Part III of
the Annex II)
Commission Decision
2009/598/EC of 9 July 2009
Extractable
establishing the ecological
DIN 54233-3 bed mattresses 0,5 mg/kg
arsenic criteria for the award of the
European Ecolabel for bed
mattresses
EU REACH Regulation
(EC) n°1907/2006 of the
European parliament and of
the council of 18 December
2006 concerning the
Registration, Evaluation,
Authorization and
Restriction of Chemicals
preservation of
Total arsenic –– Not used
(REACH),
wood
Annex XVII: Restrictions on
the manufacture, placing on
the market and use of
certain dangerous
substances, preparations
and articles
19. Arsenic compounds
4.4.6 Barium – Ba
4.4.6.1 General
Barium is a chemical element with the symbol Ba, and atomic number 56. Barium is a soft silvery alkaline
earth metal. The most important compounds are the peroxide (BaO2), chloride, sulfate, carbonate, nitrate, and
chlorate. Lithopone, a pigment containing barium sulfate and zinc sulfide, has good covering power, and does
not darken in the presence of sulfides. The sulfate, as permanent white or blanc fixe, is also used in paint, in
X-ray diagnostic work, and in glassmaking. Barite is extensively used as a
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