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17 October 2007
Formaldehyde tests show no health issue
in clothes
Test results released today show little
cause for concern about levels of
formaldehyde in clothing and textiles on
sale in New Zealand.
“In response to concerns raised by
television programme Target, the Ministry of
Consumer Affairs tested 99 items of clothing
and manchester,” says Consumer Affairs
Minister Judith Tizard.
“97 of 99 items had no detectable or
very low levels of formaldehyde.”
“Two items had above the acceptable
level of 100 parts per million, but simple
washing reduced formaldehyde to well below
acceptable levels.”
Twenty parts per million is accepted
internationally as the zero mark under which
formaldehyde in fabric is not detectable.
Ms Tizard says the Ministry used the
correct method of testing and its results
were robust and credible.
“Target used the wrong testing method,
which is why their results were so
dramatically different.” “In line with international best practice
for testing clothing, the Ministry tested
for free formaldehyde only. Target tested
for combined free and bound formaldehyde.
They then compared this with international
standards for free formaldehyde.” “It was like testing apples and oranges
against a standard for apples only.”
The government is to issue a product safety
policy statement setting acceptable levels
of formaldehyde in clothing, a move that
will provide greater certainty for New
Zealand consumers. “We are consulting on the appropriate
levels, but expect they will be similar to
those used as benchmarks in the Ministry’s
testing, which were based on levels used by
overseas regulators.” Submissions on the proposed policy statement
are due by 26 November. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs have been
working closely with the Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission, who are
today also announcing a consistent approach
to acceptable levels of formaldehyde in
clothing. Links
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