Experts are sending a warning after popular and affordable online sites for clothes are found to contain toxic chemicals. Online shopping has become incredibly popular right now, and so is finding a great deal. When it comes to maternity clothes for the pregnancy, or stocking up on cute baby clothes, moms and mom-to-bes are always on the hunt for a great deal. A trend called “fast fashion” has become incredibly popular, and these websites promise incredibly cheap clothing and they are typically based in China or other Asian countries, and while it may seem great, there may be some truth to the “too good to be true” saying.

According to CBC and Flipboard, experts are warning about the level of chemicals found in clothing that are being sold by these websites, and it is something that every mom should be aware of if they are going to wear the clothes, or if they play to put them on their baby.

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The websites in question are Shein, AliExpress, and Zaful, and they have all stopped sales of “questionable” products to Canada due to a recent investigation that has taken place.

To complete this investigation, the team found that out of 38 samples of children’s, adults’, and maternity clothes and accessories, one in five had elevated levels of toxic chemicals. The most concerning chemicals were lead, PFAS, and phthalates. Mirian Diamond is an environmental chemist and professor from the University of Toronto, and she overlooked the lab testing and said that people should be shocked at this information. For example, the team found a jacket for young toddlers, that was purchased through Shein, had almost 20 times the amount of lead that Health Canada deems as safe for children. Miriam stated that “this is hazardous waste.”

Shein has said that they will stop working with the suppliers that provided the items in question, and they have since stopped selling these items, but it makes everything questionable. Experts are warning parents and the general public, to avoid these places if they can because this is concerning. This is also particularly concerning to children and pregnant women because they are more susceptible to lead poisoning which can cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and reproductive system. It may be wise to go back to the older companies we are used to using, it may cost a little more money, but moms can rest assured that the products are safe.

Sources: CBC, Flipboard