Temu's Soaring Popularity Raises Concerns Over Toxic Chemicals in Its Products

Could the clothes you buy be hazardous to your health? Authorities and experts have raised alarms about toxic substances found in products from some of the world's most popular ultra-fast fashion brands. Recent investigations reveal alarming levels of harmful chemicals such as lead, PFAS, phthalates, formaldehyde, and cadmium in items sold by Shein, AliExpress, Zaful, and Temu. These findings are not only concerning for consumers but also highlight the darker side of the fast-fashion industry.

A Marketplace investigation tested 38 samples of children’s, adult’s, and maternity clothing and accessories. The results were startling: nearly one in five items contained elevated levels of chemicals that experts consider dangerous. Among these, lead, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and phthalates stood out as particularly worrying contaminants. Such chemicals can pose serious risks to human health, especially when present in clothing designed for everyday wear or even single-use occasions like Halloween costumes. In 2022, Disney children's Halloween costumes were flagged for containing hazardous substances including lead, cadmium, and BPA. This underscores the broader issue of unsafe materials being used in mass-produced garments.

In Seoul, authorities conducted their own tests on women's accessories sold by leading online retailers. They discovered toxic substances exceeding acceptable limits by hundreds of times. For instance, a children's jacket from Temu was found to contain 622 times the legal limit for phthalate plasticizers. Phthalates are chemical compounds commonly used to make plastics more flexible but are known to disrupt hormones and cause developmental issues in children. Similarly, shoes from Shein failed safety tests due to high levels of phthalates, while other products from Temu and AliExpress showed excessive amounts of lead and formaldehyde.

The prevalence of these toxins in fast-fashion items raises significant concerns about consumer safety. Formaldehyde, often used in textiles to prevent wrinkles, is classified as a carcinogen and can irritate skin upon contact. Cadmium, another heavy metal frequently detected in costume jewelry, poses long-term health risks through accumulation in the body. Furthermore, PFAS, dubbed forever chemicals because they do not break down naturally, have been linked to various diseases, including cancer and reproductive disorders.

Ultra-fast fashion brands like Temu have rapidly gained popularity worldwide thanks to aggressive marketing strategies and rock-bottom prices. However, behind the allure of discounts lies a troubling reality. Investigations reveal that many of these companies prioritize cost-cutting over quality control, resulting in substandard and potentially harmful products reaching consumers. In South Korea alone, multiple rounds of testing confirmed the presence of toxic substances in goods imported from platforms such as Temu, Shein, and AliExpress.

Halloween costumes, which are typically worn once, have come under scrutiny for containing hazardous materials. Reports indicate that certain costumes marketed towards children include lead, cadmium, and BPA—chemicals that could leach onto skin during use. Given the temporary nature of these outfits, it might seem surprising that manufacturers would invest in safer alternatives. Yet, the lack of stringent regulations in some regions allows such practices to persist unchecked.

Experts emphasize the importance of regulatory oversight to protect consumers from exposure to harmful chemicals in clothing. While countries like South Korea impose strict limits on substances like lead and phthalates, enforcement varies globally. As a result, consumers may unknowingly purchase toxic-laden products without realizing the potential dangers. Advocates call for greater transparency in labeling so shoppers can make informed decisions about what they buy.

One expert identified five key chemicals frequently encountered in fast-fashion production: phthalates, formaldehyde, lead, cadmium, and PFAS. Each serves a specific purpose in manufacturing processes yet carries substantial health risks if improperly handled or excessively present in finished goods. Understanding how these chemicals interact with human physiology highlights the urgency of addressing this growing problem within the fashion industry.

Temu, one of the newest entrants into the ultra-fast fashion space, exemplifies both the appeal and pitfalls of discount shopping. Launched in 2022, the platform quickly amassed millions of users attracted by its low-cost offerings. However, recent controversies surrounding toxic substances in its products cast doubt on the sustainability and ethics of its business model. Critics argue that prioritizing rapid expansion over product safety undermines trust among consumers who expect reliable and healthy purchases.

As awareness grows regarding the harmful effects of fast fashion, there is increasing pressure on governments, organizations, and individuals to take action. Consumers play a crucial role in driving change by supporting brands committed to ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly practices. Simultaneously, policymakers must strengthen legislation to ensure all apparel meets basic safety standards before hitting store shelves—or virtual carts.

Ultimately, the discovery of toxic substances in widely available clothing serves as a wake-up call for everyone involved in the fashion ecosystem. From designers and manufacturers to retailers and end-users, each stakeholder bears responsibility for fostering a safer, more sustainable future. By demanding accountability at every stage of production, society can mitigate the risks associated with fast fashion and promote healthier choices for generations to come.