Why it's harmful: Ammonia can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and long-term exposure may lead to serious health effects.
Found in: Some wrinkle-resistant fabrics and garment finishes.
Used for: Preventing wrinkling and shrinking in fabrics after washing.

Why it's harmful: Some azo dyes release carcinogenic amines, which are linked to cancer and environmental harm.
Found in: Brightly colored synthetic fabrics.
Used for: Giving vivid, long-lasting colors to clothing

Why it's harmful: Chlorine bleach releases toxic byproducts that can cause respiratory issues and environmental damage.
Found in: White and light-colored fabrics, particularly cotton.
Used for: Whitening fabrics and removing stains.

Why it's harmful: Endocrine disruptors interfere with your hormone system, potentially causing developmental, reproductive, and immune issues.
Found in: Activewear, polyester, nylon fabrics.
Used for: Enhancing stretch, durability, and moisture-wicking in synthetic clothing.

Why it's harmful: A known carcinogen, formaldehyde can cause skin reactions and respiratory issues.
Found in: Wrinkle-free and stain-resistant fabrics.
Used for: Making fabrics wrinkle-resistant and maintaining their shape.

Why it's harmful: Flame retardants can contain chemicals that are linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and developmental problems in children.
Found in: Children's sleepwear, furniture fabrics, and protective work clothing.
Used for: Reducing the flammability of fabrics, especially in high-risk industries or products.

Why it's harmful: Metals like lead and cadmium are toxic and linked to cancer, organ damage, and developmental issues.
Found in: Dyed fabrics, faux leather, metallic-finish clothing and metal finishes.
Used for: Stabilizing dyes and giving garments a metallic sheen or vivid color.

Why it's harmful: NPEs break down into nonylphenol, which is toxic to aquatic life and disrupts hormones in humans.
Found in: Synthetic fabrics, particularly sportswear and outdoor gear.
Used for: Acting as a detergent in the textile manufacturing process.

Why it's harmful:: Pesticides used in conventional cotton farming can cause skin irritation and long-term health risks, including cancer.
Found in: Non-organic hemp and cotton clothing.
Used for: Protecting crops from insects and boosting cotton yield.

(Also know as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

Why it's harmful: PFAs are known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and body, linked to cancer and hormone disruption.
Found in: Water-resistant and stain-repellent clothing.
Used for: Making fabrics water- and stain-resistant, especially in outerwear.

Also known as (Perfluorinated Chemicals)

Why it's harmful: PFCs are linked to cancer, immune system damage, and developmental harm. They are also persistent in the environment.
Found in: Water- and stain-repellent clothing, especially outdoor and activewear.
Used for: Providing water, oil, and stain repellency to fabrics.

Why it's harmful: Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and can disrupt the endocrine system, potentially causing reproductive issues.
Found in: Plastisol prints on t-shirts, faux leather, and rainwear.
Used for: Softening plastics and making materials like vinyl flexible.

Why it's harmful: Made from petrochemicals, these materials don’t biodegrade, contributing to microplastic pollution. They can also cause skin irritation.
Found in: Polyester, nylon, acrylic garments.
Used for: Creating cheaper, stretchable, and moisture-resistant fabrics.