SHEIN, AliExpress, Zaful haul: Toxic chemicals found in some clothes (Marketplace)

Shopping for new clothes? We're testing clothing from some of the world’s biggest fast-fashion retailers for toxic metals and chemicals. We found products that could put your health at risk.
To read more: www.cbc.ca/1.6...
#FastFashion #Shopping #CBCMarketplace
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[@snthbt]

This makes me feel even more sad for the people working in these factories, being exposed to harmful substances on a daily basis

[@jellybeansi]

And imagine how little they're getting paid (if anything), when these clothes are selling for only a few dollars. :(

[@SlumCut6661]

@@jellybeansi I heard they only get paid 4 cents per article of clothing and only get one day off a month after working consecutive 16 hour shifts. This is an unhoused source but I wouldn’t put it past them to do that to their employees. How else would they earn substantial profits yet sell shirts for only $2? It just doesn’t add up!

[@devvoid1312]

just now realizing that sweatshops exist and you shouldn't support these brands? It's nothing new...

[@snthbt]

@@devvoid1312 I never said that, but it's sad nonetheless because anything we consume can be tied back to the suffering of a group of people.

[@aliciaavila2892]

It's like the radium girls all over again 😭

[@dvharlinq]

these fast fashions also dont pay workers a livable wage, and yet theyre forcing these workers to put dangerous chemicals in the products they make, i feel bad for the workers.

[@Trund27]

Absolutely. It’s a terrible system.

[@godsavethequeen2798]

Something has got to give. Consumerism and greed is causing so much suffering 😢

[@Leggir]

Most come from North Korea, funding their nuclear weapons program.

[@beth-ug6ti]

issue is I doubt any clothing brand in big departments stores are realistically any better.

[@213243D]

Surely they don't even know that theyre getting exposed to so many toxins there. And they don't even have an option because they need the little money they get from working there :/

[@soapsp]

I’ve never bought from shein, zaful, etc, but I do shop a lot at winners, American eagle, H&M, you guys should do those brands next. That would be really interesting like the brick and mortar stores and the level of toxins in the clothes

[@cindy846]

Yes!!!

[@umopepisdn.]

Target and walmart too!

[@roshandachark7820]

I wouldn’t doubt these have the same thing

[@carmen478]

zara as well! seems like they might even come from the same factories as some aliexpress items cause I've seen items on that website that come with the zara tag lmao

[@imxel2193]

@@sierrabird2460 you’d be surprised

[@aquietwild]

This isn’t groundbreaking news - we’ve known for a long time that most synthetic/plastic-based clothing has toxins - not just fast fashion, but also expensive sportswear. Oeko-tex-certified, undyed or naturally dyed, natural and organic fibres are the best way around this, but not everyone can afford to purchase this way. The responsibility needs to be placed on the system, not just the consumer.

[@a1yssaa]

👌

[@roshandachark7820]

Absolutely. Plant based fibers only. This is such an eye opener for me.

[@crazycatlady312]

Thanks for this. I've been buying things lately that said oeko-tex-certified on it but I honestly had no idea what it meant. Now I'm happy

[@ShanteRoxxane]

The system doesn’t change until consumers make them. Your money is your power. If you keep buying they won’t change a thing. That’s why you buy much less often and if possible, not at all from fast fashion brands. And you demand for change that way. Also, if people shopped less often you’d be surprised what they can afford in a short period.

[@JustyMe]

@@roshandachark7820 I just started to learn about the topic but even that doesn't guarantee no harmful chemicals. It can have pesticide residue or the dye can be toxic.

[@Dandelion_flight]

To be fair, you should really do the same tests for the more expensive (Target, Kmart etc) and even luxury brands.

[@emmaphilo4049]

Yes !! Especially luxury brands!

[@FairyRosee_]

Yes I think they are all the same manufacturers

[@euniceishere5527]

Agreed, and don't just magnify those products made in other lands, be fair and do some research on those domestic high-end brands as well

[@sammy706]

They wont because it those brands paying for these types of tests to get rid of their competitions. They all get their clothes made in such conditions wether they are expensive or not.

[@sunset6958]

Would like to see it too

[@vesislavaofficial]

I've been a long user of SHEIN. After watching this report, I refunded my last order and closed the account. Thank you CBC news for making this investigation !

[@laurenlocd3180]

Sure lol

[@abeera7338]

I just recieved my last order this week and spend a lot of money, so never again for me too.

[@Aj-me8mo]

@@abeera7338 but the clothes are dope tho :(

[@quemma]

@@Aj-me8mo the child labor isnt though

[@Aj-me8mo]

@@quemma not to sound heartless(because I'm not) but like I said the clothes are really dope and I'm gonna continue to buy them

[@evamurray4229]

So how do we know? Even if I buy more expensive products, how do I know that there are no chemicals in them?

[@orubek355]

Good question!

[@Black_beauty]

True. It’s easy to investigate these cheap companies, but simply overlook the high end /brand names, who also have their items made in sweatshops.

[@bitterellie]

Same thought

[@Arbysroastbeefjuice]

They all have chemicals in them. They're all made in the same sweatshops, just have different tags.

[@shakinaantra9310]

Correct,

[@tiffanyduong9391]

Why doesn’t this have more views? Everyone shops at shein now!!!! It’s so popular and that means alot of people are affected by the toxins!!!!

[@MBloom-sw8gc]

I am sure it's the same with Canadian or American retailers. It's all about profit. CBC Marketplace, a Canadian channel probably trying to discourage their people from ordering elsewhere but buy from their country otherwise their businesses will suffer. How do we know their items do not contain toxic material?? It can also be a political scheme!

[@sympthylost]

@@MBloom-sw8gc most likely not political. CBC is publicly funded and isn’t beholden to a particular government or corporation. Also they investigate brick and mortar stores too. They just did one on Best Buy. Of course there could be biases, but that applies to everything.

[@Ulove619]

I’d share if I could go on my Facebook account. I got blocked for some reason . So yeah this needs to be shared! It needs to be on all news stations it needs to be stopped it’s not safe for us or the poor seamstresses making it.

[@tiffanyduong9391]

@@Ulove619 Shein is so popular right now everyone i know has shopped from them. I’m genuinely confused as to why this isn’t bigger news. I also was in a large shein group on facebook with over 100k members and I tried to warn everyone but got removed from the group

[@Ulove619]

@@tiffanyduong9391 at least it was the group & not the whole Facebook like me :). I can’t even try to warn anyone. So I guess let the sleep stay sleep. We tried.

[@adriennef8099]

Are the clothing from large corporations like Zara, H&M, Walmart tested when they are imported and held to a standard?

[@kayngiggon8618]

They only test the appearance after wash, tearing strength, color fading etc. Not toxic material test required.

[@katiedid1851]

No. I am sure no testing.

[@miss.fuckyouropinion7062]

I guess I can start being a competitor

[@marikiemarie7622]

They do. Much higher standard than these Facebook ad junk places...maybe not the best, but better.

[@cindy846]

That's another real question. I hope they will test these in another episode!!!

[@oliviagreen8853]

They should test fabrics at the local fabric store for things too, it would be interesting to see if making your own clothes would be better

[@Trund27]

This is a great idea! I would love to know this as well.

[@jn819]

It's not. The kinds of factories that chain fabric stores source their fabrics from are the exact same as the ones fast fashion companies source from. Every issue that is found in fast fashion is also found in fabric store fabric. There are a few very small companies that make their own fabrics in different places and ways than the majority of fabric is made, but it's going to end up being probably $100+ before labour costs to make any garment from them.

[@yungaterror]

Would love 2 know cause I make my own clothes

[@Acidfunkish]

It used to be cheaper to make clothes. It's farrrrrrr from it, nowadays.

[@bethrivera867]

I was wondering this too. Also would like to know how thrifted clothing tests.

[@jennt2882]

Love that Miriam Diamond states a few times that she is also VERY concerned about the people that are making these products. They are exposed over and over and over. It is a dam shame.

[@craven5328]

I'm really disappointed in Health Canada's response...they sound like they are totally trying to pass the buck onto the retailer. Yes, seller/manufacturer has a responsibility, but according to the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, so does Health Canada. It is their duty to enforce the act if there are contraventions. I'd really love for Marketplace to follow up with Health Canada, so we can have confidence in the enforcement.

[@dfinite1111]

Too many lobbyists paying off the govt.

[@michaelheliotis5279]

@Secret Sauce is Overrated Are you telling me that Amazon, a company valued at US$1.7 _trillion_ and with a fourth quarter revenue of US$125 billion last year, can't come up with a way to police or regulate the products sold on _their_ website? No, Amazon could _easily_ sort the problem if they really wanted to, but they don't want to because it would cost them _money._ The issue isn't capability, it's cost, because they care more about their bottom line than the health and wellbeing of their cash cow customers.

[@yikes2540]

@@michaelheliotis5279 you’re absolutely correct and so well spoken. I appreciate you keeping it real, companies like Amazon have billions at their disposal yet their workers and consumers needlessly suffer at their hand. Simple changes could make a huge difference, but greed is greed.

[@riav3v]

frs

[@jennifertarin4707]

When they did a video about the safety of imports, they interviewed a border agent who said that he was given the same info that the American agents have. When CBC tries to get a statement about why the items aren't flagged and sent back or destroyed, the answer was that they leave it up to the manufacturer to decide what is safe or not.

[@CocoaBananas23]

I would like to know what’s in Walmart, old navy and H&M clothes for sure since I shop at these stores more.

[@karolinakuc4783]

They never use synthetic dyes to such an extend and those with GOTS certificate use natural dyes and cotton is grown with only natural pesticides

[@meowkity1]

I can smell it on lots of stuff from Walmart but I don’t think I noticed it until I got a SHEIN order that was so bad it wouldn’t even wash off.

[@somewhereupthere785]

As consumers we have to reuse MORE. Second hand is the highest form of recycling because the cost to natural resources has already been paid. We need to teach ourselves how to sew again, how to tailor, repair, modify....

[@joylox]

I learned to sew on a $50 sewing machine from Walmart, probably had some questionable stuff, but it's so helpful for making clothes fit me, doing repairs, and making my own stuff. Now I use a machine from the 1970s that my dad said he learned on, and it's such a beautiful machine after taking it for repairs. I'm glad my high school did offer both home-ec, and quilting as classes that taught sewing, but they were electives, and it should be more accessible for people to learn how to do repairs, even by hand. Plus, my sort of life hack with sewing, is to use old sheets. Either for learning and testing stuff, or even for making clothes. You can cut around stains or rips, and it's a great way to reuse old materials.

[@somewhereupthere785]

@@joylox Exactly! We have to make better purchasing and reusing decisions.

[@ashleywright4817]

Good for you I don't have to time

[@Acidfunkish]

Most people don't have the time... AND, it's much, much more expensive to sew than it is to buy, nowadays. And you have the same cheap fabric concerns as fast fashion. Quality fabric is not readily available or inexpensive, anymore. Hell, even second-hand shops are selling for higher prices. It might be more sustainable, but it's also not inexpensive.

[@coppermoth6069]

Still doesn’t solve the pfas exposure problem

[@reigenarataka7908]

Why has KZbin not blown this up yet? I feel like everyone needs to see this

[@riav3v]

ikr

[@lmfao307]

I would love if you guys do the same thing with luxury brands

[@theonewhocomments]

I'm way more concerned about walmart and local clothes than shein because while people do order online a lot, the sites mentioned in this video are less used than local stores like Ardene, h&m, Gap etc. A lot of people try shein once or twice and give up when they get really bad quality and their money is wasted. The clothes from walmart, ardene, etc reach a much wider population and we need a similar video and test for those. I'm even a bit suspicious as to why this video didn't mention a single US or Canada brand, even though many of them get their clothes made in the same sources.

[@freedomisthechoicesyoumake8594]

Exactly..

[@cowkitty8940]

True

[@blackvelvetno1]

Thats false Shein is now the biggest retailer in the world, followed by Zara and then H&M. All this information is available in regards to their revenues.

[@meowkity1]

Yes I can smell the same chemicals on SHEIN and stuff at Walmart. Especially Walmart clothes and sheets

[@Inphase.]

I ordered 8 items from SHEIN 2 days ago and now I think I’m just gonna return everything. This is my first time ordering and to know that these clothes have chemicals that are so harmful, this is just disgusting. I think I rather spend more money buying some stuff from Ross, Marshall’s,depop, or thrift stores.

[@tiffanyduong9391]

@@deanvanluven6813 yes it seems almost impossible to know where your clothes are coming from

[@ashleywright4817]

Lol they have the same chemicals luv

[@Debbiediamond0310]

You think?

[@user-wc6bl4zs4i]

I used to shop from shein but I have literally never kept my shein clothes longer than 3 months. I always end up throwing them out because they’re not even good enough to donate

[@onlythegracee]

if you are concerned about knowing exactly what your clothes are made of, i would suggest building a “capsule wardrobe”! this is buying from ethical companies with high quality clothing that lasts for years. so you buy less, wear a few clothes more. more expensive when first building the collection, but in the long run can help save money for people who buy clothes every month. thrifting is always a good option for closing the fast fashion cycle and diverting clothes from waste and it’s economical, but the downside is that you don’t know exactly what’s in the clothes. so depends on what you want to focus on! the more economical route is sticking to thrifting and cheap finds at ross/marshalls & the more precise route is researching ethical and clean companies (i.e. i like madewell). but just remember, don’t feel guilt about your choices. in the end, it shouldn’t be the responsibility of the consumer to know chemistry just to wear clothing.

[@crazycatlady7866]

I wish that this video would be trending so more people could see it

[@MrRedtaco11]

This is nothing new and it shouldn’t be. Companies started going over in the early 90s. It started catching on. Some companies made it, some didn’t. If labour and products were cheaper in Canada would be made here. Now some companies find things cheaper to be made in Mexico and they go there. Wherever companies can make money, that’s where they’re going to go.

[@pau11iska8D]

Personally I buy one thing I know I will wear for years, rather than multiple things I will only wear for a year. When it comes to clothing and clothing waste, quality should always triumph quantity or cheapness.

[@Sandra_Wa_Jesus_Christ]

👌

[@AhhhSukeSuke]

Same. Actually, I don't remember the last time I've bought sthing new.. I buy good quality 2ndhand clothes, and wear it for years 😅. (prolly 1/3 retail price)

[@somewhereupthere785]

Before stretchy fabrics came around we kept our clothing so much longer. I remember buying levis that I would have for 5 or 6 years.

[@jessip8654]

Not always possible. I've tried to find winter boots that last more than a season and was straight up told by retailers that they "just don't make them that well anymore."

[@lali_p2813]

@@jessip8654 I had 2 pairs of north face winter boots that’s I just got rid of after 12 years ☺️

[@Ali-ft1xw]

I’m in California where we have the prop 65 labels and it’s literally on all packaged food items, INSANE!! It’s on clothing, candles, receipts and furniture. So we’re being poisoned by everything constantly

[@monique.110]

I feel that particular label is on everything in CA and it is overlooked now

[@scholasticbookfair.]

It's simply a liability thing​@@monique.110

[@iceeyes4478]

I'm so curious why bad things, such as junk foods and literal poisons, are cheaper and more affordable than healthy things like vegetables and clean fabrics. Doesn't make sense to me. Good things should be affordable, bad things should be costly.

[@iplayRowblawks]

Easier and Cheaper to make.

[@tmcbgrrl0074]

Yes, strangely, a piece of fruit 🍉 costs more than a 🍭 candy bar?🤦🏻‍♀️

[@CeCe1066]

Hmm that’s a good question. Cheaper items are made from more easily accesible and cheaper ingredients/fabrics/chemicals. So I guess we can assume the more easily accesible ingredients require less work in actually obtaining it and refining it. Whereas healthier foods and less toxic clothing/chemicals probably require more refinement and the more work/labor. We also have to think about paying the workers across the entire chain as well. So the workers who mine/grow/pick the resources for foods and clothing need to be paid, as well as the people who sew the clothing and operate the facilities that clean the organic foods (ie apples, strawberries, etc.). Basically, it’s cheaper and quicker for companies to go the easy route which usually means less regulations and people being used for very very cheap labor that infringes on their rights.

[@jiyama]

to make people sick and sell you the solution to problems you fell for. these companies work like mafias like that

[@christeljoycapian9386]

Healthy things are costly because they are made of high quality ingredients while bad things are cheaper because they are made of low/poor quality engredients.. precious things has greater value than cheap things

[@mok.6085]

I’m not shocked. I’m handling more of people’s Shein hauls every day, and their clothes are invariably poorly packaged, so I get to smell the chemical stench of their wares more than most!

[@chimmy1161]

Whats your job?

[@mok.6085]

@@chimmy1161 Postal worker.

[@Acidfunkish]

@@mok.6085 Thank you for helping keep me inside more, over the past couple years. ❤️ Really! 👍🏻

[@mok.6085]

@@Acidfunkish You’re welcome! While most people probably think I take my job way too seriously, I basically consider myself a civil servant. Then again, if I worked for Amazon, or even one of our more traditional competitors/contractors (FedEx/UPS), I’d be way more miserable.

[@Acidfunkish]

@@mok.6085 The Canada Post retirement package is pretty dang nice, too. As long as you don't mind walking a lot (and the more extreme weather we tend to get), it's a pretty good career path. 👍🏻👍🏻 Which is more than fair, IMO; you ARE an essential service. I have a family friend who just retired, and he really loved his job. He liked walking, and he liked that it helped keep him fit. And now he kind of doesn't know what to do with himself, apparently. 😅

[@lovelylouisedandg2128]

NOW I WANT TO KNOW YOUR REVIEWS FOR ZARA, H&M, UNIQLO AND OTHER KNOWN BRANDS.

[@artisthusnatalal3099]

Gucci, Channel, etc etc

[@amyedea7624]

Thank you the Marketplace, I do shop a lot at Shein, after watching this video I deleted the App Store from all my electronics. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@MBloom-sw8gc]

Lol! I bet the items bought in your country came from the same places with different labels and marked up prices. Should ask CBC to test items being sold in your country.

[@ashleywright4817]

I'll never stop shopping on shein. Beside's toxic stuff and brands are everywhere can't run from it

[@amyedea7624]

@@ashleywright4817 Good for you, I am not the one who is paying for your hospital bills or Doctors visit in your future, if you don’t wish to take care of your self who will my dear, all I could say is best of luck.

[@Nxeissa]

@@ashleywright4817 That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try and eliminate some of your shopping addictions, try thrifting you’ll be surprised how much stuff you can find.

[@ashleywright4817]

@@Nxeissa thrifting? Are you kidding me

[@janellescott210]

Just think about how much toxic waste is being created and dumped while the clothes are being made.

[@emmaphilo4049]

😱😱😱😱 yes awful....

[@marambula]

A decade ago I began thrifting for silks, wools, and linens. These days I iron a bit more but gotta say I love the way those fabrics feel and good to know i’m less likely to need a university chemical analysis lab to have some confidence in their safety.

[@FreckleFinance]

I live in California and the warnings are on literally everything even at a doctors office.

[@ahub87]

Yeah if these people lived in California they’d be freaked out...it’s on almost everything

[@mellonmarshall]

yep an it is great because it becomes meanless

[@Surferess]

So true. You literally can't even walk in to a WalMart without a health warning on the front door.

[@the_rubbish_bin]

I've seen a few of those tags, mostly on Xmas lights and some decorations. I've also ran into many products that say "not for sale in California." I live in Florida BTW.

[@tatumd1234]

What is in my stuff ? I'm in California

[@mojojojo5372]

I thought this was just going to repeat that fast fashion is bad for the environment, but y'all really did a great job presenting this. The laboratory testing as well as consumer interviews really made the point consumable for all audiences. Also great job picking apart multiple companies instead of just one.

[@laneatkinson6441]

Thank you for covering this!! The exploited workers are paying the ultimate price for someone's temporary pleasure overseas, it's very wrong!!!

[@BGZeke]

It seems the clothing of concern was mostly stuff that had plastic/shiny/rubbery sorts of materials in it. Do the chemicals also show for the more ‘fabric’ type items? Like the yoga pants, shorts, etc?

[@nosslina8120]

I noticed this too. I think this was by design. I doubt the more fabricky materials hold lead or those other chemicals. They could have done a better job explaining these things but that would require real journalism and less sensationalism I guess.

[@sweetness1586]

yes its in everything !!! cottons / linens / etc etc once used it spreads into every material !!! cheap is the major word to corporations !!!!

[@L.Lavender]

My same thoughts! It seems like the PVC type materials are the harmful ones. Anything plastic or rubber seems to be the issue, and yes shiny too.

[@L.Lavender]

@@sweetness1586 But like the lady said at the end it should wash out of those fabrics and keep you from personally being exposed right?

[@thegreatgoddess9149]

@@L.Lavender I would love to know this too. I thought washing it would make it safe to use

[@higginsandrew]

I worked for the technical standards and safety authority as an upholstered and stuffed articles inspector for the province of Ontario. The Ford government got rid of the regulation (O.reg 218) and our department 3 years ago…now there’s no oversight. We tired to get in to inspect Amazon, but the province told us to back off…I think the major online retailers can do whatever they like with no repercussions.

[@Justadreamer416]

Ford government got rid of many good things. Wondering when he will be gone?!

[@arrianeocampo9139]

Maybe Marketplace need investigate things from amazon too.. 🤔

[@Cindyk0711]

So insightful! I already am heavily opposed to fast fashion for its environmental and ethical cost, but the magnitude of the toxicity problem never appeared to me

[@stellagyan6942]

So what do you do?

[@westabsupplyebay4093]

Forever chemicals or phas are also used in Telefon, the same chemicals are used in food like microwavable popcorn bags on the inside of the bag to keep it from burning.

[@lubaleong9619]

Yes. Thanks for sharing

[@Lolo369Channel]

True, i stopped buying them long time since i new. Thank you

[@the_rubbish_bin]

Mind. Blown.

[@btsarmyforever3816]

I don't own a microwave nor do I use those microwave popcorn bags. I just pop them in a cooker.

[@L.Lavender]

Same with BPA used on receipts and water bottles and food cans. It’s really hard to escape these harmful chemicals

[@rukiapyonpyon]

yes, thank you for tackling this.most of the 'cheaper' imports were distrusted back home too. i do remember reports of imported 12-22 YEARS old frozen beef/pork, tomatoes polished in petrol, coloured vegtables etc.. I'm halfway thru and i hope they would also tackle how shein and fashion nova would copy indie designers and copy their work for a waay cheaper products.

[@Sunny-Smiles1234]

The ones being hurt the most are the poor because they are more likely to get cheaper clothes online.

[@dianagift8131]

@Mi Mi not a valid response poor people do order online they can use someone’s credit card

[@karolinakuc4783]

Why not ask for hand me downs?

[@bobbyeapen6049]

This needs to be known all throughout the western world!

[@cryaxis5238]

Victorian Era all over.

[@stellagyan6942]

Exactly! We really think we know better but little do we know, that we know nothing at all.

[@seitanbeatsyourmeat666]

It probably never left

[@whatrtheodds]

I know better but the masses need to know. It's doesn't help if a few people do. Everyone on the planet deserves to wear poison free clothing.

[@user-x57620fzmt]

I don't even understand how SHEIN got so big. I only shopped there once and that's it. Everything felt weird to the touch and everything smelled like chemical, let alone the quality, literally nothing I ordered looked the same as on the website. People are out of their mind buying clothes from there seriously. How much poorly made cheap clothing do you need and for what purpose?

[@emily191]

Its trendy

[@CheeTooTheeBee]

I’ve seen items on there at lots of small businesses sell. I’ve seen the same things sold on Etsy.

[@nataliewalters2759]

They are China owned and the Democratic government allows China to sell things here. China also now owns Amazon . China wants to own everything across the world . Why do you think so many American stores are closing down ?

[@juliacastro8505]

Cuz the world doesnt revove around the US. In most of the countries, buying clothes is extremely expensive.

[@kaym5015]

@@-astor-9844 same

[@vueport99]

Are there home test kits available to check for lead and other disruptor chemicals? Shien etc are just a curated resellers. Often getting factory over run and trendy products selling in the mainland and pushing it overseas for a huge markup

[@L.Lavender]

I want to know if there is a test kit too

[@makeupbyrowyn]

@@L.Lavender same

[@livelovely4681]

There are no test kits. Lavatory testing only, which is why these stores should be banned.

[@eternalangel666]

Thank you so much for spreading awareness. Your journalism is excellent. It is so important for people to recognize that what they’re putting in their bodies everyday is severely affecting their health and that includes dangerous toxins in the textiles! Thank you 🙏

[@IamKelly-anne]

Wow, just wow... does no one have a conscience anymore? It seems almost everything we use or consume as humans are toxic... my question is how do we figure out if where we buy store bought clothing from tests or knows what its clothes are made of?

[@wendyuyennguyen]

I also want to know the level of toxic chemicals in the more expensive brands, then compare them with these brands.

[@stellagyan6942]

I agree!

[@estherlove5172]

Strictly talking about the sewing quality, as a professional seamstress myself, I would know to never buy a $15 Rain coat. You're just asking for jmperfections. There is no way, that a coat; materials, hardwares, trims, and labor costs are worth that little. Imagine, minimum wage, which is approx. $15 per hour right now, and calculate. It takes a non-factory worker, at least 6-12 straight hours to make a coat, or even more depending on the detail. (Including lining) You pay cheap, you ask for cheap.

[@joylox]

Yes, I'm not a professional, but I like making my own clothes, and most decent fabrics, are usually at least $10/m at retail prices (at least at the stores in my area). I check the labels before I buy stuff to see what it's made of, often looking for natural fibres. For example, I can make a pleated skirt in 3 hours on average (from sizing to completion), and uses about 1m of fabric (about $45 based on current minimum wage in my area, and cotton prices), so people who pay less than $10 for skirts, it's just wild how low the prices have gone, and how the fashion trends are more important than health.

[@nerdgeekcosplay909]

I’m learning how to sew my own clothes. I find sewing to be fun relaxing and stress relieving. Sure it’s an expensive hobby but it’s fun !

[@sweetness1586]

yeah ! bring higher priced items to labs !!! toxic is in everything now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@btsarmyforever3816]

That depends on where you live though. If you live in Asian countries where dollar value is more, you can get very good things for like 5$. We have raincoats here for even 5$ and they are very good quality in India.

[@MamaLifeBre]

It's not just the toxic chemicals, Shein is also an awful company when it comes to knocking off other designers' work.

[@ashleywright4817]

Lol I honestly don't care I have a package coming in a week it's cheap snd cute and I'm only 15 and no job and I'm sure there are lots of people out there who can't do any better shein is cheap

[@alliexcx5576]

@Ashley Wright theres nothing wrong with that but once you can afford clothes that are more ethical and dont have toxins stop buyinh from the toxic stores

[@Edmlady92]

@@ashleywright4817 When you grow up and get into the real world, you'll realize the truth.

[@jaimysatish7819]

@@Edmlady92 that’s assuming she will get to live to see the age of 40-50

[@rhondasilver3582]

You can always count on CBC marketplace!! Thank you!!

[@canttouchthis2345]

Not to mention the immense environmental impact these fast fashion companies have had over the past decade! Majority of these clothes/items end up in the landfill or other dumps! I started buying from shein bit stopped last year after noticing how bad the quality truly is

[@blackwing97]

this is one reason why you should wash everything before you wear it, especially for kids or if you're pregnant, imo. it's also better to go for natural materials as much as possible.

[@livelovely4681]

Washing will not get lead out your clothes 💀

[@sophieattheateliermarketin6106]

Given the toxic chemicals found in clothing items that these retailers sell I'd also be wary of the makeup products being sold by these same retailers. If there is a lack of duty of care with one it stands to reason that it isn't just in one area of the business. The entire supply chain needs a serious rehaul.

[@finezyjnafantazja2495]

Lots of make up contains micro plastics

[@bbpersonalpage1613]

They should shut down family dollars. Their toys full of toxic chemicals.

[@karolinakuc4783]

​@@finezyjnafantazja2495True. There are are companies that sell power with mica but most brands make solely out of plastic

[@SH-gg3up]

Call out culture goes in hard for everything except overconsumption. Be happy with what you have and don't keep up with with trends. Fashion is what you make of it. Thank you for making this video 💌

[@alana6806]

What about other brands, Walmart, jowl fresh, and so many others, why only these brands are investigated ?

[@approx4ft]

Because the quality isn't as bad as Shein so they hit them instead

[@Lolo369Channel]

@@approx4ft The quality is not always bad. I only buy 100% cotton dresses from them and they are gorgeous and classy!

[@Rastaferrari829]

@@approx4ft but I’m sure they have just as much PFAS

[@Chewi_]

2:05 Also the prop 65 warning is everywhere in California. It's practically impossible to avoid. I'm desensitized to it. It doesn't seem serious because it's on everything.

[@alexandradelliou]

I find it really disturbing and irresponsible that the interviewer would state how dangerous and toxic that little red bag is, and proceed to handing in out to children.

[@DavidKen878]

Simply touching the object won't cause the toxins to get into your system.

[@stellagyan6942]

@@DavidKen878 so how does it get into your system? By sniffing?

[@Zowiettr]

@@stellagyan6942 long term exposure

[@Shewas-kathybates]

Because you don’t know how the toxins work

[@ErinLastNameRedacted]

I was looking to see if anyone else was mentioning this! What was she thinking?

[@The_Super_NOVA]

Even scarier, it's not just the cheapo brands that you can spot all the flaws on from a mile away. Massive brands (I won't name any names) are charging exorbitant prices for thin, feeble items that won't last. Plus the chemicals. Oh and don't forget child labor

[@iamjane9628]

Agree. How did it all get so bad? Why do we want so many clothes anyway? It has to stop.

[@nativegyrl42]

I live in America and I wish we had proper who fought for consumers like you all do

[@peni1641]

For everyone that's saying they wish Canada had warning labels like California/U.S does, we voted for this labeling. I think multiply, times before in was passed/enacted.

[@tiffanyduong9391]

I’m confused since when did famous american celebrities sponsor this dangerous Chinese website???

[@akatobi2002]

uh yes, it's big with a lot of celebs to promote plt, fashionnova, she-in and amazon

[@tiffanyduong9391]

@@akatobi2002 im aware. Im wondering since when did they endorse shein, A chinese website

[@joylox]

I think it's only been in the last few years as fashion trends seem to change every week now. People want to get whatever celebs are wearing, so I think they just want to make more money off their brand, without having to pay the higher materials costs. But I think I only noticed it last year. Then again, I'm not on TikTok

[@coriebarnes8680]

Since Shein started offering them $$$$ to sponsor them! It's ALWAYS about the Almighty Dollar!

[@cassycookie9558]

I would add brands like Ardene! Same thing. Theres a extremely chemical smells as soon as you enter the stores.

[@OhSoNita]

That’s how they can make them so affordable. Cheap means you get a good deal but at the expense of who and what? Growing up my mom never shopped cheap. I received all my clothes from Macy and Dillards. I was taught quality over quantity at a young age and it’s been that way.

[@ML-jw4cd]

When I was a teacher I used to inform my students about the chemicals used...formaldehyde is used to stiffen fabrics just to get the item to look pristine in store (leas likely to crease). Then it's got no more use.

[@k8isssgr8]

Can anyone tell me if there's any lab testing from some of their makeup ? I don't think people realize how dangerous this is or they kind of forgot because of how cheap they are

[@Vintagejunkie29]

That is a good question. I ordered eye makeup from Wish which uses the same warehouse as Aliexpress & Alibaba. The little things like that you put away and don't think about. I will toss it out.

[@L.Lavender]

No don’t ever purchase makeup from them

[@thegreatgoddess9149]

It's depressing to hear about how we can't even trust the things we eat or use.. I want to learn how to sew but fabric is expensive and a sewing machine is too. I would happily buy second hand especially since that would be supporting local stores but none are here in my country. Sighs 😔

[@evettegarcia4804]

Build the first one for your country

[@Sweetness1624]

Anyone else wondering why they keep letting the child play with the red bag

[@hmacklemore2226]

It's not like touching the bag a few times is going to immediately harm the child. I doubt she played with it for hours...

[@jjherrell]

Even though my rational mind knows that the little girl wasn't harmed by the bag in such a short amount of time, every time she picked up that bag I was cringing and thinking please take that away from her.

[@Tom-xy9gb]

reasons why I just buy 100% cotton clothes.

[@the_rubbish_bin]

Monsanto has entered the chat...

[@Black_beauty]

@@the_rubbish_bin lol

[@RosieJau]

Cotton is actually really harsh on the environmental. Lol

[@Tom-xy9gb]

@@RosieJau Either its cotton or choose plastic made material. Idk about you but I prefer not wear plastic on me.

[@Acidfunkish]

Cotton has one of the highest water requirements, and is one of the least sustainable options. You'd have to use a cotton shopping bag like 2000x, to make it equal to a single-use plastic bag. Cotton is NOT the answer.

[@Brandebury]

I missed watching these! Love these exposés, keep those companies in check. Yass!

[@Mstitelful]

Guys, are you looking for a $ 20 coat, but you want quality 400? Are you serious?

[@cindycreateforlife]

Jeez, what a surprise! How many times do we need to hear this before it sinks in!

[@johannymilord3371]

My aunt have that same issue when it comes to ordering clothes from fashion nova, SHEIN and now savage fenty. She kept some of the clothes that fit her but the ones that doesn't fit her she returned them and she had to wait for days to get her money back. And ironically these fast fashion sites would get away from this. It's easier to buying clothes at a store instead of ordering it online. And I would never order fast fashion clothes that contains harmful chemicals from any fast fashion clothing stores.

[@nocturnalmum3544]

“This bag is full of chemicals” *hands it to the little girl at the park *

[@amirahullah2442]

what clothing is affordable and made ethically ?

[@wokeupamarxist]

Buy second-hand or locally.

[@kalynnfloro8726]

I great option, if you can't afford clothes made ethically, is to purchase clothing on consignment. Also, buy less and spend more on ethically made items is an option as well.

[@jn819]

@@wokeupamarxist why would a second hand clothing item have different chemicals on it? If washing the clothing fixed the problem, why would it be a problem at all?

[@hmacklemore2226]

You don't get affordable and ethical. Ethical clothing is very expensive compared to Shein, Zara, Walmart, etc. because the labour costs are much, much higher.

[@Lolo369Channel]

@@jn819 No she/he meant high quality items but cheaper as a second hand!

[@thecomidicpenguin]

This is why I’ve started to buy only secondhand goods and trying to keep my clothes as long as possible!

[@IL_Bgentyl]

“As consumers we need to think of where our products come from” very ironic when the size charts are for Asian consumers primarily and give charts to show the difference 😂

[@EllePole]

That reminds me of the terrible toxic smell that overwhelms you when you get all into an Ardene store. My God it's sickening and overpowering. I can't imagine how toxic those items all are

[@ulrikesextro4187]

Some years ago I made the same experience in a Primark store and instantly pitied the poor people working there.

[@trishs1450]

I've never smelled anything in Ardene

[@AlphaKennyBody2]

You guys in California are lucky. I wish in Canada they put that toxic warning tag on everything...

[@amyedea7624]

I wish too

[@IMAPOTATOZ]

You see it so much youre desensitized to it. If toxic warnings are everywhere, it doesnt make it more of a threat in your mind.

[@Lolo369Channel]

If it's toxic for sure, then why they allow it in the first place. In UAE we have a consumer right and such chemicals can't pass by government.

[@stellagyan6942]

@@Lolo369Channel the government does not care about you. We’re all getting experimented on

[@SH-gg3up]

Labels dont matter, they shouldn't allow it in the first place. The toxic clothes is in the same space as other items, contaminating everything too. We are just as unlucky because our govt greenlights poisons to be resleased to the people.

[@lindseyjohnstone7135]

100% my greatest sadness is for those poor people who make them. They are exposed all the time. So sad.

[@DavidKen878]

How is it sad? They're the ones who took the job making clothes made with these chemicals.

[@lindseyjohnstone7135]

@@DavidKen878 the workers probably don't even know they are making clothes with materials that have chemicals in them

[@DavidKen878]

@@lindseyjohnstone7135 You're right. Didn't think about that.

[@karolinakuc4783]

​@@lindseyjohnstone7135And some are prisoners for they migrated to find good jobs like nursering old people but got their passports stolen and landed in some sweatshop to work for bowl of rice

[@sammylee5474]

I actually avoid clothing with Acrylic after my mom told me it was toxic. So, I went on Boohoo and bought some sweaters that said they were polyester, but when I got them, they were labeled '100% Acrylic" in red on the tag. I immediately returned it and never bought from them again. So, you should also be careful about if the product matches the product you received.

[@karolinakuc4783]

Poliester is toxic too. Any synthetic stuff is. Search for linien, hemp most eco friendly fibers, cotton with GOTS. Tencel and viscose are also quite safe only very small amount of nasty chemicals used in production stays in clothes.

[@kari2394]

I never buy online, I love shopping in malls. I need to touch and see the quality of the clothes I buy

[@savingwithmarya3070]

Me watching this with a whole box of shein items sitting on my floor

[@sydneybaker8618]

I literally just spent 500 on Shein. This is upsetting.

[@ashleywright4817]

@@sydneybaker8618 its not just these brands even expensive ones

[@idontcheckmynotifsdontboth7753]

Literally me 😭

[@dyanjackson9663]

I know right

[@kyecarlin7089]

Imagine how many of these chemicals workers are exposed to for such small wages.

[@sonyaberry9805]

I almost bought that red purse for my daughter. Thank you so much

[@MBloom-sw8gc]

CBC Marketplace is Canadian channel. I wonder if they are showing this simply to discourage people from ordering items from these places. They should test items made in Canada and America.

[@dianedee7919]

Cotton and hemp clothing is my go to products.

[@the_rubbish_bin]

Monsanto has entered the chat...

[@tinnerste2507]

The heavy metals come from dyes and mordants. It's likely that they are contaminated unless they are produced by a brand that is eco friendly

[@SH-gg3up]

and linen 🙂

[@Mayphoo17]

What should i do?should i throw away the clothes i bought from Shein😢 I didn't know

[@vanilla5245]

It's not just this brand it's literally everything. I hate that we live in a society where fast food and junk food and all these companies just shove all these bad things to us and everything that's healthy for you so Out Of Reach hard to find or so expensive

[@nataliewalters2759]

Remember pharmaceuticals make billions off of sick people. Hence, the pandemic!

[@karolinakuc4783]

Clothes with GOTS certificate are safe

[@et3naltwilight]

I bought a black blazer from Winners where the dye stained my arms and neck even after washing it. Since then, I've been more careful about the material (even the smell - if it smells too plastic / of chemicals), and where I'm buying it from.

[@LetriceAllia]

I order ONE time from Shein this past Spring. All the things I received was poor quality and did not look like the website. I was completely turned off by Shein. I usually go thrifting but I definitely did get sucked into those low prices. I’m sticking to what I know.

[@Alenasup]

Feels like we live in the victorian era every time i learn about something like this. Its similar to how they tampered with food to make it cheaper.

[@catherineb6889]

Exactly, it's so disturbing and sad because most people don't realize this. There are some processed food additives that worsen our health and this is another example, imagine how many other things we don't know about.

[@mirianadimitrova2112]

OK, but what should we do about it? Are there chemical test kits? Does washing remove toxins? What's the solution to this? We can't just stop buying clothes forever... and buying expensive is not a guarantee either.

[@catherineb6889]

Make your own clothing instead, buy some good material after some research and wash it, sew it together or get some wool yarn and knit/crochet your clothing

[@mirianadimitrova2112]

@@catherineb6889 if I have to do everything myself it will take me a lifetime just to satisfy my basic needs.. that`s not a viable option.

[@catherineb6889]

@@mirianadimitrova2112 I understand but it definitely helps your concerns

[@lolajenkins2674]

@@mirianadimitrova2112 go thrifting

[@konpeitosama]

Our food has toxic chemicals in them too. 💁🏽‍♀️

[@RaisonLychi]

They're never as advertised. Look at the models in the stock photos. Normally you'd have a rotation of the same models but these sites just have stolen images that all look different, there's no brand cohesion.

[@el6942]

This video deserves more views than those made by the KZbinrs who do SHEIN hauls

[@nasdcong4502]

I noticed a change in the quality of clothes being sold at walmart and gabes. They used to make clothes predominantly cotton and polyester. Now we are seeing a higher percentage of rayon with a small percentage of spandex. Where in the world is the cotton?

[@karolinakuc4783]

Rayon captures moisture well, is breathy and biodegradable. Very small amount of nasty chemicals used in production stays in clothes. Obviously hemp and linien would be better but they are not as stretchy, elastic and soft. They get so only after 10 washes which discourages people from buying. It is a very wasteful material tho when you treat wood with chemicals 70% of its mass disappear and rest is turned into clothing. We could be making rayon out of waste of milk supermarkets cannot sell but we don't due to logistics issue.

[@MysticAngel3224]

Another impressive episode from CBC Marketplace! Not surprised by the findings!

[@starveil101]

Honestly surprised lead and caladium are in fabrics ... Thought those where safe from harm. I am avoiding plastic clothes now and buying natural from second hand stores, but didn't think about PFAS or phthalates from some of the current things I'm still holding onto, or even my children's hand-me-downs 😕. Question now is what to do with all of these clothes as a consumer. I thought about repurposing them but not sure now.

[@GoddessLaurel]

Thank you for bringing attention to this very important and overlooked issue. I’d like to see Health Canada take more responsibility in restricting these unregulated toxic products away. They affect not only the direct consumers but the country’s water supply and health costs.

[@mscstarz7151]

I bought a few things from shein last year and every piece is no longer wearable. Every single piece came apart including the shoes

[@yuma6764]

To be fair, there is no guarantee other bands are completely safe too. My daughter loves their dresses, I bought woman XS for her, only costs $7-10 per dress.

[@karolinakuc4783]

Bonprix is. How about trip to Germany or Austria? Because they don't ship to USA

[@gibbysgirl]

I hope someone makes a website that lists clothing and the chemicals in them. We need a reference site to check first before we buy something.

[@Kay_D.]

I was thinking of ordering a cute sweater I saw on Shein. I'm glad I saw this first! Scary stuff!

[@karolinakuc4783]

To avoid toxic chemicals one should buy only linien, hemp and cotton with GOTS certificate

[@jenspiration3551]

I read that this is also an issue for companies like Zara, H&M, ASOS plus Victoria’s secret has gotten lawsuits over it

[@karolinakuc4783]

But H&M has clothes with GOTS certificate in their collection