By Li Hongmei

A report released recently by Greenpeace claiming that the childrenswear lines of renowned international brands contain toxic chemical residues has caused a stir among Chinese consumers.

The clothes of twelve brands, including Burberry, Adidas, Nike, H&M, Primark, Puma, Li Ning, Disney, American Apparel, C&A, GAP, and Uniqlo, were found to have contained toxic ingredients, such as nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) and phthalates, according to the report.

The finding is based on samples of 82 items of childrens' clothing purchased by the organization in 25 countries and areas during May-June of 2013, with production sites including China, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, the Philippines, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Vietnam, and the US. "The problem may lie in the lining and the dyeing process," remarked Xiao Danlai, vice secretary general of the Hubei Textile Industry Association.

The report points out that 50 of the 82 samples contain NPE ranging from 1.1-17,000 micrograms per 1.000 grams, higher than the allowed maximum of 1 microgram per 1,000 grams. Three samples had NPE residues exceeding 1,000 micrograms per 1,000 grams, including a Disney skirt, with 3,900 micrograms per 1,000 grams, C&A footwear, with 2,000 micrograms per 1,000 grams, and an American Apparel babywear garment, with 2,000 micrograms per 1,000 grams. A Burberry T shirt also contains 780 micrograms per 1,000 grams.

NPE is a chemical widely used in the textile production. When NPE is discharged into the environment, it can turn into nonylphenol (NP), an even more toxic environmental pollutant, which can disrupt the endocrine system of animals.

The report urges governments and enterprises to manage chemical ingredients throughout their life cycle, starting from the sources, by formulating complete policies and regulations.