Putting the Fashion Industry Under the Stethoscope: A Comprehensive Look at The Fashion Industry and Its Impact on Human Health
Written by: Rebekah Stokes, Communications Assistant @Threading Change
April 28th, 2025
[5-minute read]
The fashion industry, one of the largest and most influential sectors in the global economy, has become notorious not only for its significant environmental impacts but also for its detrimental effects on human health. While much focus has been given to its environmental footprint, particularly in terms of waste, pollution, and carbon emissions, the direct and indirect effects on human health often go unnoticed. These impacts span the entire supply chain—from the workers who produce the textiles to the consumers who purchase and wear the garments. Below, we will explore how the fashion industry harms human health, tying these issues to relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those relating to clean water, health, and well-being, and sustainable consumption.
1. Toxic Chemicals and the Health of Workers
The fashion industry’s supply chain relies on various chemicals, many of which are harmful to human health. Textiles such as cotton, wool, and synthetic fabrics are often dyed, treated, and processed using a range of chemicals. Some of these chemicals—such as azo dyes, formaldehyde, and heavy metals—are linked to serious health issues. Workers in textile manufacturing, particularly in countries with weaker labor regulations, are exposed to these chemicals in large quantities, often without the proper protective equipment. The International Labour Organization (ILO) warns that chronic exposure to these toxic substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin conditions, and in severe cases, cancers.
For example, workers in dyeing and finishing departments in textile factories are frequently exposed to azo dyes, which have been associated with skin irritation, eye damage, and in some cases, cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified certain azo dyes as potential human carcinogens. Additionally, other chemicals such as formaldehyde are used to make fabrics wrinkle-free and are known to cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues. There is work towards bringing in more regulations in some regions, for instance, in Bhangladesh, the 2013 Water PaCT, a multistakeholder commitment to promoting cleaner production processes in the textile industry. The lack of enforcement in many of these Global South countries, however, means that workers continue to face substantial health risks.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which promotes decent work and economic growth, directly addresses the rights of workers. By ensuring safer working conditions and reducing harmful chemical exposure in garment factories, the fashion industry could contribute to healthier lives for those employed within it.
2. Water Pollution from Textile Dyeing
One of the most significant ways the fashion industry impacts human health is through its water consumption and contamination. Textile dyeing is one of the most water-intensive processes in the garment production chain. According to Earth.org, the textile industry is the second-largest polluter of water globally, and the European Parliament claims that the dyeing process alone is responsible for up to 20% of global industrial water pollution. Many dyes used in the industry contain toxic substances like heavy metals and carcinogens, which, when released into water sources, severely harm local populations.
In countries where textile factories discharge untreated wastewater into rivers, lakes, and streams, the health impacts are devastating. Communities that rely on these water sources for drinking, agriculture, and sanitation are at particular risk. For example, in countries like Bangladesh, where the garment industry is a major economic driver, polluted rivers and groundwater have become common issues, threatening the health and livelihoods of millions.
SDG 6—Clean Water and Sanitation—directly addresses these concerns by advocating for the reduction of water pollution and promoting sustainable water management practices. The fashion industry has a critical role to play in reducing its water pollution footprint by adopting cleaner dyeing methods and supporting wastewater treatment infrastructure in textile-producing regions.
3. Microplastics and Consumer Health
Another growing concern linked to the fashion industry is the shedding of microplastics from synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. When washed, these synthetic materials release tiny plastic fibers into the water system, which ultimately make their way into oceans, rivers, and other water bodies. In 2017, IUCN estimated that the source of up to 35% of all microplastics in the ocean was textile laundering. These microplastics pose a threat to marine life, but they also have a direct impact on human health.
The presence of microplastics in the water supply can lead to the consumption of plastic particles by humans through the food chain. Studies have shown that microplastics have been found in seafood, salt, and even tap water, raising concerns about the potential health risks posed by the ingestion of these tiny plastic particles. While research is still ongoing, early studies suggest that microplastics may carry toxic chemicals that can affect the human endocrine system, contribute to inflammation, and potentially cause other long-term health issues.
SDG 14, which calls to protect life below water, highlights the need to address marine pollution, including plastic waste. The fashion industry’s contribution to this issue emphasizes the need for more sustainable practices, such as the use of biodegradable materials and reducing the reliance on synthetic fibers.
4. Fast Fashion and Its Link to Mental Health
The rapid pace of the fashion industry, fueled by the rise of fast fashion, is also linked to mental health issues. Teen Vogue explains how people, especially young adults, are influenced by influencers and curated social media lifestyles that promote constant shopping. This culture leads to impulse buying, anxiety, and stress as people try to emulate influencers. The article also explains how shopping activates the brain's reward pathways, offering temporary relief from negative emotions. However, the joy is fleeting, and it often exacerbates issues like financial strain and clutter.
The mental health implications of fast fashion are often overlooked, but they can be significant. SDG 3—Good Health and Well-Being—seeks to address mental health and well-being, emphasizing the need for a more balanced and mindful approach to consumption. Slowing down the pace of fashion, promoting mindful consumption, and prioritizing quality over quantity could help mitigate some of these mental health impacts.
5. Solutions and Moving Toward a Healthier Fashion Industry
While the fashion industry’s impact on human health is significant, there are several solutions that can mitigate these negative effects. To begin with, the adoption of sustainable practices, such as using organic and non-toxic dyes, can reduce the chemical exposure that workers face. Additionally, companies can invest in water treatment technologies to ensure that their wastewater is treated before being released into the environment, helping protect communities from waterborne diseases.
The use of alternative materials, such as natural fibers like hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton, can reduce the reliance on synthetic fibers that shed microplastics. Brands can also adopt circular fashion models, which focus on recycling, upcycling, and reusing materials, to reduce waste and lower the demand for new textile production.
Educating consumers about the environmental and health impacts of their clothing choices is another key step. Promoting slow fashion, where consumers prioritize quality over quantity, and encouraging the use of second-hand clothing can help reduce the demand for fast fashion and its associated health and environmental impacts.
Conclusion
The fashion industry’s impact on human health is a multifaceted issue that requires urgent attention. From the toxic chemicals used in textile production to the environmental pollution caused by dyeing and microplastics, the fashion industry’s health footprint extends far beyond the consumer. By aligning industry practices with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDGs 3, 6, 8, and 14—the fashion industry can begin to mitigate these harmful effects. Adopting sustainable production practices, reducing waste, and promoting ethical consumption are crucial steps toward a healthier, more sustainable future for both people and the planet. The fashion industry has the potential to be a driver of positive change, but it will require collective effort from manufacturers, consumers, and policymakers to transform it into a force for good.
Rebekah Stokes
Rebekah is a Global Development student, passionate about creating real-world solutions to complex issues. She advocates for pivoting current systems towards a more just and sustainable future. She’s applied her knowledge and skills in various projects, such as in urban planning on Granville Island, circular economy, and local outreach initiatives. Her passion for fashion was born out of a love for its storytelling capability and through her work in the sustainable fashion sphere, she seeks to advocate for more stories of justice and equity in the clothes we wear.
