Shein and Temu Clothes: Understanding Risks from Toxic Chemicals

Shein and Temu Clothes: Risks of Toxic Chemicals

Shein and Temu clothes sometimes contain toxic chemicals that exceed safety limits. These include phthalates, formaldehyde, lead, and 1,4-dioxane. Exposure may cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, hormonal disruption, and long-term health problems. Washing items before use reduces risk but avoids wearing them during sports or sleep. Consumers should research products and opt for safer materials when possible.

1. Chemical Contamination in Shein and Temu Clothes

Independent safety tests reveal that garments from Shein and Temu frequently fail chemical safety standards, particularly in Europe. A Belgian lab, Centexbel, detected phthalate levels more than 350 times above the European limit in a pair of Shein slippers. Similar findings come from Germany, where these clothes regularly fail safety tests.

• Phthalates in Shein shoes reached levels 229 times above legal limits.
• Shein caps had formaldehyde twice above permissible amounts.
• Temu sandals contained lead 11 times over safety thresholds.
• Shein nail polishes showed 1,4-dioxane exceeding safe limits by 3.6 times.

These chemicals are widely linked to health risks and environmental concerns.

2. Toxic Chemicals Found in These Products

Chemical	Use in Products	Health Risks	Examples in Shein/Temu
Phthalates	Plasticizers for shoes and flexible items	Endocrine disruption, infertility, premature birth	Shoes with 229x legal limit
Formaldehyde	Textile wrinkle and mildew control	Skin irritation, respiratory issues, cancer risk	Caps with double safe level
Lead	Dyes and accessories	Neurotoxic, cognitive impairment in children	Sandals 11x above limit
1,4-Dioxane	Manufacturing byproduct	Probable carcinogen	Nail polish at 3.6x limit

3. Health Effects of Toxic Chemical Exposure

Exposure to these chemicals may cause different health effects depending on duration and intensity.

• Short-term effects: Skin rashes, eye irritation, respiratory discomfort.
• Long-term effects: Hormonal imbalances, reproductive health issues, neurological damage, increased cancer risk.

There are personal accounts of eczema and skin problems suspected to be linked to dyes in these clothes. More prolonged exposure or sensitive skin may increase risks.

Experts note that some heavy metals like lead or cadmium have low skin absorption. Repeated washing likely removes surface chemicals, reducing risk. However, chemicals can enter through sweating when pores open.

4. Consumer Guidance to Reduce Risk

Consumers can take steps to limit exposure to harmful chemicals in Shein and Temu clothes.

1. Wash all new garments before wearing. Washing reduces chemical residues.
2. Avoid wearing these clothes for intensive physical activity or sleeping. Sweat may increase chemical absorption.
3. Steer clear of low-quality jewelry from these brands. Jewelry may have higher chemical content and risk.
4. If clothing emits strong chemical odors, limit skin contact. Use caution with items in prolonged direct contact with skin.
5. Research products before purchasing. Check for safety certifications and user reviews.
6. Stay updated on recalls and safety advisories.

Consumers should also consider clothes from reputable brands or natural fibers like cotton. Although more expensive, they often have fewer chemical contaminants.

5. Comparison and Broader Context

It is important to note that toxic chemicals are not exclusive to Shein or Temu. Research shows that brands such as Nike, Old Navy, and Gap also contain some harmful substances.

The textile manufacturing supply chain in China supplies many brands, meaning similar chemicals may be present across various retailers. Therefore, vigilance applies to all fast fashion products.

Chemicals are prevalent in many everyday items. Food wrappers, dryer sheets, and household products contain various chemicals that may pose health risks. Consumers face chemical exposures from multiple sources.

6. Consumer Experiences

Some buyers report issues such as persistent body odor in Shein clothing even after thorough washing. Others have not experienced problems and find the quality acceptable for the price.

Concerns often focus on unknown dyes and unregulated manufacturing processes. Questions arise about less discussed brands like Cider, highlighting the need for more transparency in fast fashion.

7. Conclusions on Risk and Safety

• Washing new clothing reduces but may not fully remove harmful chemicals.
• There is uncertainty about the complete elimination of toxins through washing.
• Exposure risk increases with prolonged skin contact, sweating, and sensitive skin.
• Shein and Temu provide affordable fashion but with potential health trade-offs.
• Cautious purchasing, washing, and use practices mitigate risks.

Key Takeaways

• Shein and Temu clothes sometimes contain toxic chemicals at unsafe levels.
• Phthalates, formaldehyde, lead, and 1,4-dioxane are the main contaminants detected.
• Health risks include skin irritation, hormonal disruption, and cancer.
• Washing items before use reduces chemical residues significantly.
• Avoid wearing these garments during sports or sleep to lower exposure.
• Low-quality jewelry from these brands poses additional risks.
• Similar chemical concerns apply to other fast fashion brands due to shared supply chains.
• Consumers should research, stay informed, and choose safer alternatives where possible.

Q1: What toxic chemicals have been found in Shein and Temu clothes?

Shein and Temu items tested positive for harmful substances like phthalates, formaldehyde, lead, and 1,4-dioxane. These chemicals can pose health risks depending on exposure levels and frequency.

Q2: Are Shein and Temu clothes always dangerous to wear?

Not always. Washing items before use reduces chemical residues. Avoid wearing them for sports or sleeping to limit exposure. Long-term direct skin contact may increase risk, but occasional wear is less harmful.

Q3: How do these chemicals affect health?

Short-term effects include skin irritation and respiratory discomfort. Long-term exposure may cause hormone disruption, reproductive issues, neurological damage, or cancer risks related to these toxic chemicals.

Q4: Is it safe to buy jewelry from Shein or Temu?

No. Jewelry from these brands is often low quality and may contain unsafe chemicals. Avoid putting such jewelry in the mouth and steer clear of prolonged skin contact.

Q5: Do other popular brands also have toxic chemicals in their clothes?

Yes, toxic chemicals have been found in items from brands like Nike, Gap, and Old Navy. Many clothes come from similar factories with chemical use common across multiple brands.