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Now to a something that will concern parents of young children.
In a quirkily titled report on a very serious issue, Greenpeace says "toxic monsters"
may be lurking in your children's closets. The environmental campaign group says some
top fashion brands are using hazardous
chemicals in kids clothes. Kwon Soa reports.
"A little story about the monsters in your closet..."
The "monsters" Greenpeace is referring to are toxic substances found in some famous
global clothing brands. The shocking revelations come after the organization
tested 82 items of children's
clothing and shoes from 12 well-known brands.
"And unfortunately we found products from each of those brands that contain highly
hazardous chemicals that can for instance disrupt our hormone system."
More than half of the products, contained more than one milligram per kilogram of
nonylphenol ethoxylates, or NPEs, which can affect a child's hormone system.
Those include clothing from C&A, Disney, and American Apparel.
Burberry's garments also contained a high amount.
PFCs, or perfluorinated compounds, that can affect the reproduction and immune
system were also detected in all 15 tested products.
Adidas, Nike, and Uniqlo had especially high concentrations.
Experts say, although the chemicals don't pose an immediate risk to adults, children
are
more vulnerable to those substances. The results showed no major difference between
the level of toxic substances found in
children's clothing and those in adult pieces. Greenpeace is calling on the world's top fashion
brands to take more responsibility for
the environment. The organization has made progress since 2011,
when it launched its so-called 'Detox
Campaign' which encourages global brands to stop using hazardous chemicals in their
products by 2020. Kwon Soa, Arirang News.