Toxic fashion and your health
The ASU School of Sustainability and the ASU Staff Council Advocacy,
Inclusion and Community Committee organized an event about how
toxic chemicals used by the fashion industry affect human health.
The presentation highlighted individuals negatively impacted by the harmful chemicals in clothing and was financed by a University Sustainability Practices Sustainability Initiatives Revolving Fund grant. SIRF provides funds to support sustainability projects and engagement opportunities across ASU campuses.
The Rob and Melani Walton Center for Planetary Health hosted the in-person and virtual event, including students and faculty from the following ASU schools and colleges:
- ASU Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
- College of Global Futures.
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- Herberger School for Design and the Arts.
- School of Life Sciences.
- W.P. Carey School of Business.
Investigative journalist Alden Wicker discussed the lack of research and regulations surrounding toxic chemicals in clothing and shared stories about individuals affected by toxic chemicals, including airline attendants, children, fashion industry professionals and people living near garment manufacturing facilities. She shared stories of fashion brands that have begun to regulate cancer-linked chemicals. After the presentation and Q&A session, attendees said they were unaware of the impact clothing items had on an individual’s health and would reevaluate their wardrobe and shopping habits to purchase from brands that implement sustainability practices.
Visit the School of Sustainability’s YouTube page to watch Wicker’s presentation. Refer to the SIRF webpage for more information on how you can apply for a Mini or Tier One grant for your campus sustainability project.