Level of formaldehyde

Myth: Garments available in Australia contain high levels of formaldehyde.

Fact: In 2007, the ACCC commissioned expert testing for residual formaldehyde content in a broad range of clothing purchased in the Australian market. 

No formaldehyde was detected in any of the garments submitted.

Clothing tested included shorts, shirts, trousers, tops and nightwear for infants, children and adults. 

These results were produced by two independent laboratories using the internationally accepted testing standard EN ISO 14184-1:1998 Textiles—Determination of Formaldehyde—Part 1: Free and Hydrolysed Formaldehyde (Water Extraction Method).