Slow to remove killer clothing

OFFICIALS have had almost 18 months to act on clothing contaminated with a cancercausing dye but Australians could have to wait until November before the items are either banned or deemed safe.

Clothing contaminated with azo dyes are still being sold to consumers 16 months after the first items of dodgy denim were pulled from shops.

While officials plod through a consultation process, recalls upon recalls have pulled more than 200,000 items of clothing from shelves.

Last Thursday recall notices were issued for Cotton On’s women’s Elly skinny jeans ( 4000 items) and for three styles of Mody- brand chinos sold on theiconic.com.au.

All the clothing had been coloured with azo dyes, a known carcinogen when in prolonged contact with skin.

The dye itself is banned in this country but is still used by some overseas manufacturers.

And there is no rule regarding imported products, despite the Health Department recommending restrictions.

Thursday’s recall warned: “Certain azo colourants may release carcinogenic compounds. Expert authorities recommend that exposure to these dyes should be eliminated or minimised.”