Toxic Chemicals to Avoid in Baby Clothes – Quick Reference Guide | Clothing Digest

Toxic Chemicals Quick Reference Guide

Essential chemical names to avoid on baby clothing labels

What This Tool Is Used For:

This quick reference guide helps parents identify harmful chemical names on baby clothing labels and product descriptions. Use it while shopping to quickly spot dangerous substances like PFAS, formaldehyde, and toxic dyes that could harm your baby’s health.

How It Works:

  1. Search by chemical name or use the category filters to find specific types of toxins
  2. Check labels against this reference while shopping for baby clothes
  3. Filter by risk level to prioritize the most dangerous chemicals to avoid
  4. Reference alternate names – many chemicals have multiple names on labels
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
High Risk

Also Known As:

PFC, PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, GenX, C8, Forever Chemicals, Fluorochemicals

Health Risks:

  • Immune system damage
  • Developmental delays
  • Hormone disruption
  • Cancer risk

Found In:

Stain-resistant Water-repellent Spill-proof
Formaldehyde
High Risk

Also Known As:

Formalin, Methylene oxide, Oxomethane, Methylaldehyde

Health Risks:

  • Carcinogen (cancer-causing)
  • Skin irritation and rashes
  • Respiratory problems
  • Eye irritation

Found In:

Wrinkle-free Permanent press Easy care
Phthalates
High Risk

Also Known As:

DBP, DEHP, DEP, DMP, BBP, Plastisol, PVC plasticizers

Health Risks:

  • Hormone disruption
  • Reproductive issues
  • Developmental problems
  • Asthma triggers

Found In:

Printed designs Plastisol prints Flexible plastics
Azo Dyes
High Risk

Also Known As:

Congo Red, Sudan dyes, Disperse dyes, Direct dyes containing aromatic amines

Health Risks:

  • Cancer risk
  • Allergic reactions
  • Skin sensitization
  • Contact dermatitis

Found In:

Bright colors Red clothing Dark dyes
Flame Retardants
High Risk

Also Known As:

PBDE, TBBPA, HBCD, OPFRs, Brominated flame retardants

Health Risks:

  • Hormone disruption
  • Neurological damage
  • Developmental delays
  • Thyroid problems

Found In:

Flame resistant Fire retardant Sleepwear
Heavy Metals in Dyes
Medium Risk

Also Known As:

Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Chromium VI, Arsenic compounds

Health Risks:

  • Neurological damage
  • Kidney damage
  • Developmental issues
  • Learning disabilities

Found In:

Metallic prints Bright pigments Metal accessories
Antimicrobial Treatments
Medium Risk

Also Known As:

Triclosan, Silver nanoparticles, Quaternary ammonium compounds, Microban

Health Risks:

  • Hormone disruption
  • Antibiotic resistance
  • Skin irritation
  • Allergic reactions

Found In:

Antimicrobial Odor-resistant Antibacterial
Chlorinated Phenols
Medium Risk

Also Known As:

PCP (Pentachlorophenol), TCP (Trichlorophenol), Chlorophenol

Health Risks:

  • Liver damage
  • Immune system effects
  • Skin irritation
  • Respiratory issues

Found In:

Preservatives Anti-mold treatments Wood treatments
Synthetic Fragrances
Low Risk

Also Known As:

Parfum, Fragrance, Synthetic musks, Allergens

Health Risks:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Skin sensitization
  • Respiratory irritation
  • Headaches

Found In:

Scented clothing Fabric softeners Detergent residues
Read Full Safety Guide
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