Abstract

*Alka Tangri, Anindita Bhattacharya and Madhu Sahgal

ABSTRACT

Production in textile industries consists of multistep chain process which involves production of a large number of heterogeneous compounds. It is also one of the greatest consumers of water in production of per kg of the material. It significantly contributes to environmental pollution by discharging wastewater rich in hazardous chemicals, such as azo-dyes, flame retardants, formaldehyde, dioxins, biocides and heavy metals, which in different ways pose threats to public health. Chemicals, harmless or dangerous, can accidentally or purposely enter and leave the textile mill during different steps of the manufacturing process. They can end up in goods placed on the market, either intentionally to give specific characteristics to the article (color, softness, flame and crease resistance, or water repellent properties), or unintentionally as residual materials from the production (traces of toxic and carcinogenic compounds can often be found in commercial dyes). Several textile operations lack quality-control systems for contaminants present in the raw fibre, left in the finished product, handled during the manufacturing processes or formed due to the use of high temperature, alkaline conditions, powerful oxidizing agents, etc. Significant amounts of hazardous compounds have been found in wastewater effluents from textile production Moreover, clothes are worn in close contact to the skin and, if chemicals are present in the garments, wearing them is a possible route for human exposure. Increasing environmental awareness has recently pushed an enhancement of international standards and regulations concerning quality, safety and sustainability of the textile industry.