When Mary, an Alaska Airlines attendant, received a new synthetic uniform in 2011, she experienced a series of health issues. A hacking cough, a rash on her chest, migraines, brain fog, a racing heart, and blurry vision were among the symptoms she endured. Mary was not alone in her suffering—many Alaska Airlines attendants reported similar reactions, including breathing problems and severe allergic reactions. Testing conducted by both the airline and the attendants’ union revealed the presence of various harmful substances in the uniforms, such as tributyl phosphate, lead, arsenic, and cobalt. Despite this evidence, the uniform maker, Twin Hill, escaped legal responsibility by arguing that the individual levels of each chemical were not high enough to cause the reactions.
In 2013, Alaska Airlines decided to procure new uniforms without explicitly admitting that the old uniforms had caused health issues. Unfortunately, a lawsuit filed by the attendants against Twin Hill in 2016 was dismissed due to lack of evidence. However, a Harvard study conducted in 2018 confirmed a significant increase in health complaints among attendants after the introduction of the new uniforms. The study’s authors concluded that there was a clear relationship between the uniforms and the health issues experienced by the attendants.
The harmful effects of exposure to chemicals in the textile industry, particularly among workers in developing countries, have been well-documented. However, it is less widely known that many individuals in the US have also reported health problems from wearing toxic garments. This realization prompted me to explore this topic further while researching my book, “To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion is Making Us Sick – and How We Can Fight Back.” Those affected by toxic fashion include a diverse range of people, such as flight attendants who experience prolonged exposure due to the nature of their job.
Dr. Irina Mordukhovich, one of the authors of the Harvard study, described flight attendants as the “canary in the coal mine” due to their consistent and lengthy exposure to the uniforms. However, she also emphasized that other individuals in the population may also be affected by similar clothing components, even if they are not aware of it.
The story of sick attendants is not unique to Alaska Airlines. Other airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest, have also introduced new uniforms with synthetic materials and chemical treatments. The impact of harmful chemicals on textile workers is well-known, with documented cases of breathing problems, rashes, and even death. The situation in the US highlights the need for better regulation and awareness regarding the chemicals used in the fashion industry.
Individuals like Karly Hiser, a pediatric nurse practitioner, have experienced firsthand the negative effects of toxic garments on their health. Hiser’s son suffered from worsening eczema until she switched to non-toxic fabrics and started sewing his clothes herself. Hiser believes that better labeling for clothing, similar to nutrition labeling for food, would allow consumers to make informed choices about the clothes they wear.
Jaclyn, a former fashion production manager, shared her experience of being exposed to synthetic chemicals used in fashion production. This exposure resulted in rashes and allergic reactions, leading to a decline in her overall health. Unfortunately, many of these chemicals are legal to use in clothing, leaving workers and consumers vulnerable.
The issue of chemicals in clothing is complex and often overlooked. The lack of research and regulation makes it difficult to determine the safety of each chemical used, let alone the potential risks of multiple chemicals interacting with each other. Dr. Kirsten Overdahl, a Duke University researcher, highlighted the challenge of identifying and assessing the safety of various chemicals found in clothing.
Recent testing of regular garments has revealed alarming results. High levels of hormone-disrupting chemicals were found in polyester-spandex socks and sports bras from major brands. Children’s clothing from fast-fashion brands also tested positive for toxic chemicals such as lead, PFAS, and phthalates. Additionally, a well-known period panty brand settled a lawsuit after tests revealed the presence of PFAS, a highly toxic class of chemicals.
Many of the chemicals found in garments can have acute toxicity, causing skin reactions or asthma, while others have established links to cancer, reproductive toxicity, allergies, and skin sensitization.
Overall, the detrimental effects of toxic fashion on individuals’ health cannot be ignored. Greater awareness, regulation, and transparency are needed to protect workers and consumers from the harmful chemicals used in the industry.
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