NPE Decomposition Will Cause Cancer, EU Agrees To Ban NPE In Textiles

It is widely used in various industries such as detergents, emulsifiers and surfactants.

In some non EU countries, NPEO is used as detergent and dyeing auxiliaries in dyeing process in the textile industry.

Studies have shown that NPEO has toxicity and carcinogenicity to mammals and aquatic organisms, and NPEO has a chemical substance similar to estrogen, which can harm human normal hormone secretion, that is, the "female effect" and distortion.

Over time, NPEO decomposes the production of alkyl phenols, which are classified as carcinogens by the European Union.

In order to protect aquatic organisms, EU member states have agreed to ban NPE (nonylphenol ethoxylates) in textiles. The ban is voted anonymously and is expected to take effect next month.

In a 2011 study, Greenpeace found that 2/3 of the clothing contained NPE, including many world-renowned clothing brands.

Although the content of NPE in these garments is low, this chemical component will be a threat if it exists in the natural environment.

The chemical composition can enter the water environment with the consumer's first, second washing.

Once the new ban is adopted, textiles with NPE concentration greater than or equal to 0.01% will be effective for 5 years.

However, the ban will not apply to second-hand or recycled textiles, because the chemical components contained in it are almost negligible after repeated washing.

There are garment factories and textile enterprises protesting against the European Chemicals authority.

It is difficult to comply with the wide range of uses in the supply chain.

The inspection and quarantine department reminds the relevant enterprises that they should closely follow and follow the progress of the NPEO ban, understand the specific contents of the ban, take the initiative to formulate detailed coping strategies, improve the production process, do research and development of NPEO alternative products in the pitional period, enhance the level of cleaner production technology, improve the quality management system, strengthen the quality control of the raw material and production process, and ensure the quality of the export products comply with the laws and regulations and contract requirements of the importing countries.