Sabrina Del Fico Behind the colorful clothes and seductive offers of the fast fashion giant SHEIN, toxic and dangerous chemicals are hidden, which threaten the health of small consumers
@Canva/Shein
The fast fashion industry, synonymous with low-cost, trendy clothing, has quickly taken over the global market. However, behind the bargain prices and constantly updated collections lie serious environmental, social, and health issues.
Natural resources are being exploited at an unsustainable rate to produce disposable garments, while toxic emissions and waste from production contribute to global pollution.
Moreover, fast fashion often relies on inhumane working conditions, with workers receiving meager wages and being forced to work in hazardous environments.
Shein: the fast fashion giant
Shein, a Chinese fast fashion giant, is one of the major players in this market. The company attracts millions of consumers worldwide with incredibly low prices and a vast range of products, from clothing to accessories.
The brand is particularly popular among young people and families, who often buy children’s clothes drawn by colorful patterns and appealing designs. However, behind these enticing deals lie serious risks to the health and safety of the youngest consumers.
A recent test conducted by the German consumer magazine Öko-Test has raised significant concerns about the safety of products sold by Shein, particularly those intended for children.
The test
German researchers selected a sample of 21 items, including clothing and shoes for infants and children. Each product was analyzed to assess its safety for consumers.
Unfortunately, two-thirds of the products failed to meet European safety standards: the test revealed the presence of hazardous chemicals that could pose a health risk, especially in products intended for children.
The analysis found numerous pollutants — many known to be harmful to human health — present in quantities exceeding the limits set by the European REACH regulation.
One of the most concerning findings involved a children’s unicorn-patterned dress that released antimony in a simulated sweat solution.
Antimony is a highly toxic substance that can be absorbed through the skin and cause severe damage if it enters the bloodstream.
Items intended for teenagers were also found to be unsafe. A brightly colored dress contained dimethylformamide, a chemical that can negatively affect fertility.
Additionally, two pairs of sandals contained traces of heavy metals (lead and cadmium) that far exceeded the allowable safety limits.
Despite these dark revelations about Shein and the dangerous substances found in this test, consumers continue to be drawn to the brand’s low prices and wide range of products.
A growing concern
The test results not only challenge the safety of Shein’s products but also raise important questions about the ethics of the entire fast fashion industry.
Low-quality products that deteriorate quickly not only increase waste but also expose consumers, particularly children, to potentially dangerous chemicals.
Moreover, the lack of transparency about working conditions in Shein’s factories and the sourcing of raw materials raises serious concerns about the company’s business ethics.
Families should be aware of the risks associated with fast fashion and make more informed choices when buying clothing for their children.
While low prices may seem appealing, the real cost could be much higher in terms of children’s health and well-being, as well as the environmental impact.
Source: Öko-Test
