You've probably already heard of the GOTS and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certificates, or you've seen at least one label on a textile product that contained these groups of letters.

But do you know what they mean and why they are important? If you care about your children's health, this article is for you!

Clothes can be dangerous for health

Modern clothing is often treated with compounds that help to increase the softness of the fabric or that prevent the clothes from staining, wrinkling, loosening, etc. The same compounds have been associated with adverse health effects such as skin irritation, developmental problems and even cancer. Children are particularly susceptible to toxic chemicals because their bodies are still developing. The toxicity depends on the dose and how often the little ones are exposed to the toxic clothes.

Toxic substances frequently found in textile articles

PFAS

Clothing labeled as "water resistant" or "stain resistant" may seem advantageous. But these words could mean that the article of clothing contains a toxic class of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Exposure to PFAS has been associated with kidney and testicular cancers, liver damage and developmental problems.

phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals used as plastic softeners.

The effects of phthalates on the human body are among the most serious. ADHD, asthma, diabetes and breast cancer, a range of reproductive problems, including decreased reproductive function in men and endometriosis in women. Phthalates pose the greatest risk to children, who could put contaminated clothing in their mouths.

Lead

Children exposed to lead can suffer permanent brain damage, which often leads to learning disabilities and an increased risk of violent behavior.


How do you know which clothing items do not contain chemicals dangerous to the body

It's simple! Every time you buy an item of clothing, make sure it is mentioned on the GOTS / OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 label

The GOTS and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certificates are standards managed by individual organizations, recognized worldwide in the textile industry. GOTS is a global certification covering "organic" textiles, while OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a global certification covering "organic and non-organic" textiles. Both have strict testing standards in place.

If a product has a GOTS or OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification, you can be sure that the product has been tested and is as safe as it can be for health.


What exactly does GOTS certification mean?


The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide textile processing standard when it comes to organic fibers. It defines high-level environmental criteria along the entire supply chain of organic textiles and requires compliance with social criteria. To receive the GOTS certificate, textiles must contain at least 70% certified organic natural fibers. All chemical inputs must meet a set of environmental and toxicological criteria, along with the wastewater management treatment plan for any wet processing involved. A textile product bearing the GOTS "organic" label must contain at least 95% certified organic fiber. If a product that carries the GOTS "made with organic" label must contain at least 70% certified organic fibers.

GOTS certification covers the entire textile process. It also includes fair labor practices and ensuring that there are no known toxic substances used as part of the manufacturing process. In conclusion, safe for humans.


What exactly does STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX mean?


To obtain an OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification, the textile material must be free of more than 100 substances known to be harmful to human health. The standard takes into account the following:

• Legal regulations, such as the prohibition of AZO dyes, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, nickel, etc.;
• Other harmful chemical substances that are not yet legally regulated;
• The requirements from annexes XVII and XIV of the European Regulation for Chemical Products REACh, as well as the list of ECHA SVHC candidates;
• US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) lead requirements;
• Numerous classes of environmentally relevant substances.

Where you can buy GOTS and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified children's clothes

On Babysharksclub.com you can find a varied range of luxury clothing products for children and babies that have GOTS and OEKO-TEX certificates. Protect your children by purchasing clothes of the highest quality standards here.