Burberry, Primark & Adidas amongst brands hit by Greenpeace toxic chemical claims
Environmental campaign group Greenpeace has accused some of Britain’s biggest retailers and brands of selling children’s clothing and shoes which have been tainted by toxic chemicals.
Adidas, American Apparel, Burberry, Chelsea, Disney, GAP and Primark were named as passing on the products, which aren’t thought to be harmful, but which Greenpeace wants removed as a precaution.
In their report, titled ‘A little story about the monsters in your closet’, the activists place particular concern on the health of workers manufacturing the goods who may be being exposed to harmful levels of toxins.
Amongst the soup of chemicals identified are Nonylphenol ethoxylates(NPEs), which have the potential to accumulate in the body and disrupt hormones, as well as chemicals used to soften plastics.
Other potential nasties to turn up were per and poly-flurinated chemicals, which may negatively impact on the reproductive and immune systems alongside fungicide chemicals present in socks, shoes and sports clothes.
In a statement Primark said: “Primark said it is working to remove chemicals from the production process. We have a stringent chemical management policy in place which complies fully with EU legislation.
“However, Primark has long recognised the importance of continuing to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing processes.”