Can Shein Clothes Cause Cancer?
Shein is a popular fast fashion retailer that offers a wide variety of affordable clothing. However, some people have raised concerns about the safety of Shein clothes, due to the use of harmful chemicals in the manufacturing process.
There is no definitive answer to the question of whether Shein clothes can cause cancer. Some studies have found that certain chemicals used in the manufacturing of fast fashion clothing, such as lead and phthalates, can be harmful to human health, including increasing the risk of cancer. However, other studies have found no link between these chemicals and cancer.
Shein has been criticized for its use of these chemicals, and the company has taken some steps to address these concerns. For example, Shein has said that it has banned the use of lead in its clothing, and it has also committed to testing its products for harmful chemicals. However, it is important to note that Shein is not the only fast fashion retailer that uses these chemicals, and it is possible that other brands may also be using them without disclosing it.
Additional Points
- Chemicals in Clothing: Some clothes, not just from Shein but from various manufacturers, may contain chemicals like formaldehyde, certain dyes, and other substances that are used during the manufacturing process. In high concentrations, some of these chemicals can be harmful and have been linked to health issues, including cancer. However, the concentrations in clothing are typically much lower than harmful levels.
- Proposition 65 Warnings: In California, businesses are required to provide warnings about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This law, known as Proposition 65, means that some products sold in California (including clothing) might carry a warning label if they contain one of the over 900 chemicals on the Proposition 65 list, even if in minute amounts. Seeing such a warning doesn’t necessarily mean the product will cause cancer but indicates the presence of a listed chemical.
- Fast Fashion Concerns: Shein is often categorized as a “fast fashion” brand. While fast fashion is primarily criticized for its environmental impact and labor practices, there are also concerns about the quality and safety of the products. It’s always a good idea to wash new clothing items before wearing them to remove any residual chemicals from the manufacturing process.
- Individual Reports: There might be individual reports or claims online about various products causing health issues. It’s essential to approach such reports critically and seek out scientific and medical expertise when evaluating such claims.
Shein RICO Charges
In addition to the concerns about the safety of its clothes, Shein is also facing legal challenges. In July 2023, three independent designers filed a lawsuit against Shein, alleging that the company had engaged in racketeering and copyright infringement. The lawsuit claims that Shein used a “secretive algorithm” to identify trending art and then reproduced the designs for its fast fashion website. The lawsuit is seeking damages of $100 million.
Shein has denied the allegations and has said that it is “committed to protecting the intellectual property rights of others.” The case is still ongoing.
If you are concerned about the safety of Shein clothes or the company’s legal troubles, you may want to consider buying clothes from other retailers. There are many ethical and sustainable fashion brands that offer high-quality clothing at a variety of price points.