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Introduction to Formadehyde in Textiles

(Synthetic) resins based on formaldehyde have been used on various textiles to suppress wrinkling and shrinking for ages. International studies have revealed that exposure of the skin to textiles, with a high level of formaldehyde, effects the human health: formaldehyde causes skin allergies and is even suspected to have carcinogenic properties.

Requirements in different countries

Germany

§ 35 LMBG B 82.02-1 1985-06 – Bestimmung der Formaldehydabgabe aus textilen Bedarfsgegenständen

Analysis of commodity goods; determination of the release of Formaldehyde from textile commodity goods

Japan

- Japan Law 112: Textiles for Infant à Formadehyde content should not be detected

- Textiles for users of ages over 3 years à Formadehyde content should not be greater than 75 ppm

Finland

- Textiles having direct contact with skin à Formadehyde content should not be greater than 100 ppm

- Textiles for children of ages under 2 years à Formadehyde content should not be greater than 30 ppm

Netherlands

Investigations by the Netherlands authorities show that the maximum level of formaldehyde in textile products should be 120 ppm. Concentrations, which exceed this level, pose a risk for consumers. In textiles that can be assumed to be in contact with the human skin, such as bed wear and clothing, levels have been found which exceed the above mentioned tolerance level. However, most of the time this exceeding disappears upon one time washing according to the wash instructions.

Based on the above mentioned results, the Netherlands authorities will install a Regulation that bans the merchandising (including import) of cloths and other textiles that are likely to be expected to be contacting the human skin, if:

· They contain more than 120 ppm formaldehyde prior to one full wash according to the washing instructions and they have not been labelled with "wash before use" at the product or the packaging.

· They contain more than 120 ppm formaldehyde even after one full wash according to the washing instructions.

Test Methods

EN ISO 14184-1:1998 Textiles -- Determination of formaldehyde -- Part 1: Free and hydrolized formaldehyde (water extraction method)

EN ISO 14184-2:1998 Textiles -- Determination of formaldehyde -- Part 2: Released formaldehyde (vapour absorption method)

Die Bestimmung erfolgt nach DIN EN ISO 14184-1:1999-02 (Ersatz für DIN 54260:1988-029), § 64 LFGB (ehem. § 35 LMBG) B 82.02-1 (freies und freisetzbares Formaldehyd)

BS 6806:2002 Textiles. Determination of formaldehyde. Method for the determination of total and free (water extraction method) formaldehyde using chromotropic acid

BS 6806-3:1987 Formaldehyde in textiles. Method for determination of released formaldehyde

BS 6806-2:1987 Formaldehyde in textiles. Method for determination of 'free' formaldehyde

BS 6806-1:1987 Formaldehyde in textiles. Method for determination of total formaldehyde

AATCC 112 Formaldehyde Release from Fabric: Sealed Jar Method

JIS L 1041 / JIS L 1096 Formaldehyde in textiles