TÜV Rheinland tests cheap children's football shirts: lacking in toxic substances but also in quality

Köln (ots) -

29 children's shirts tested: no toxic substances, but poor quality
/ Shirts sold for between E3 and E20 / Test purchases in Germany,
Italy, the Netherlands and Spain at markets and on beaches / Don't
buy textiles of dubious origin or that have a strange smell / Wash
new clothes before you wear them

Before the start of the European Football Championships, the
testers at TÜV Rheinland went traveling. They went to popular holiday
destinations to purchase children's football shirts for different
countries and teams from vendors at markets and on beaches, and
analysed them back in the test laboratory. The results showed a lack
of toxic substances, but unfortunately a lack of quality too. "The
good news is that all statutory limits were observed. None of the 29
children's shirts in the test exhibited extraordinary levels of toxic
substances or contained allergy- inducing substances", says Andreas
Metzger, textiles expert at TÜV Rheinland. The independent experts
tested for various substances, including banned azodyes in coloured
fabric, allergy-inducing dispersion dyes (also in coloured fabric)
and substances such as cadmium, lead and plasticisers in imprinted
fabric. These substances can trigger allergies, are partially toxic
and suspected of being carcinogenic, and can affect the hormonal
balance.

The test purchasers at TÜV Rheinland bought the 29 football shirts
in June 2012 at prices ranging from E3 to E20 in Spain (10 shirts),
Italy (10 shirts), the Netherlands (5 shirts) and Germany (4 shirts)
at markets or beach kiosks, for example. The children's clothing was
then analysed back at the TÜV Rheinland harmful substances laboratory
in Cologne. In contrast to previous experiences with cheap textiles,
the TÜV Rheinland experts rated the results as indicative of a
positive trend for consumers: "There has clearly been an upwards
learning curve among manufacturers and importers of cheaper textiles
too regarding the risks of toxicity", notes Metzger, summarizing the
test results.

Nevertheless, it is still not advisable to purchase the cheap
goods, as the joy spread by the shirts is short-lived. "You shouldn't
let yourself be ripped off when spending on a holiday whim. In 21 out
of the 29 test purchases, the quality of the fabric, finishing and
colouring left a lot to be desired. High-quality textiles are always
preferable." An unsymmetrical fit, smeared printing and imperfect
workmanship at the seams were detected in many of the test pieces.
The care instructions were inadequate in 21 out of the 29 garments as
well. And Metzger adds: "With such cheap goods of dubious origin, the
goods must have been produced in conditions with poor environmental
and social standards too."

Observe these tips when purchasing textiles

it depends on the type and concentration. The textiles industry in
Germany alone uses around 75,000 tonnes of chemical additives a
year.> If you want to play it safe when making a purchase, you should
follow your nose. If the goods give off a funny smell, this is the
first sign that a dubious additive has been used. Looking out for
test marks from independent testing bodies such as TÜV Rheinland on
high-quality textiles will protect consumers further. "The Toxproof
seal of approval from TÜV Rheinland guarantees that the level of
toxic substances is below the minimum statutory requirements",
explains Andreas Metzger.

As a basic rule, consumers should also examine the textile labels.
Labels not only give information about the material and care
instructions, but also about where the goods came from and who made
them. Consumers should know where to address queries and complaints.
Under no circumstances should you purchase unlabelled clothing.
Instructions such as "colour bleeds" or "wash separately" can also
indicate unhealthy, non-colorfast substances. So if possible, you
should wash all washable items of clothing before you wear them -
selecting a temperature of at least 40 degrees Celsius, even if the
label recommends only washing at 30. When manufacturers write their
care instructions, they often tend to "under label" - deliberately
indicating lower temperature specifications - to avoid complaints
about garments becoming misshapen and discoloured.

compatibility of metallic accessories on clothing such as buttons on
jeans, which often contain nickel. Manufacturers frequently cover the
nickel-containing buttons with paint, but this quickly comes off with
wear. The result being that the jean buttons trigger allergies -
typical contact allergies causing an itchy skin rash. Anti-mould
preservatives such as dimethylfurmarate (DMF) can also cause violent
skin reactions. In addition, the use of heavy metals, particularly
hexavalent chromium, in leather products can be damaging to health
too. "In comparison, leather goods bearing the GS mark, which
indicates that the garment has been 'tested for safety and harmful
substances', do not pose a health hazard", says Andreas Metzger.>

TÜV Rheinland is a leading global independent test provider with a
history stretching back 140 years. The Group maintains a presence at
500 locations in 65 countries with 16,000 employees. Annual turnover
is E1.4 billion. The independent experts stand for quality and safety
for people, the environment and technology in nearly all aspects of
life. TÜV Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products and
services, oversees projects and helps to shape processes for
companies. Its experts train people in a wide range of careers and
industries. To this end, TÜV Rheinland employs a global network of
approved labs, testing and education centres. Since 2006, TÜV
Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to
promote sustainability and combat corruption. www.tuv.com.

Media Contact:
TÜV Rheinland
Frank Dudley
Tel.: 0221-806-3273