Halogen-organic compounds: This is where the harmful substances come from

Halogen-organic compounds are solvents that are not only found in paints and varnishes, but also in textiles and cosmetics. Here you can find out why the substances are often questionable and how you can avoid them.

Halogen-organic compounds are chemical compounds from the elements bromine, iodine, fluorine and chlorine. These four substances belong to the group of halogens. Together with hydrocarbons, they can form compounds that act as solvents. Due to their solvent properties, halogen-organic compounds are used in many different areas, such as in paints, varnishes and adhesives, but also in cosmetics or chemically treated textiles.

Halogen-organic compounds: These are the best known

Various substances can be summarized under the umbrella term of halogen-organic compounds. The best known include:

• DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), formerly known primarily as insecticide was used and found its way into food via contaminated food. Because DDT is highly toxic, it was banned across the board in the Federal Republic of Germany as early as 1972.
• PCP (Pentachlorophenol) has a fungicidal effect – that means it kills fungi and spores – and was therefore used as a wood preservative, but also as an impregnating agent in the textile and leather industry. PCP is also toxic to humans and is also one of the carcinogenic substances. It has been banned in Germany since 1989. However, other countries, such as the United States, continue to produce and use PCP.
• PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) refers to a number of different halogenated organic compounds. PCBs were mainly found in electronic components, joint compound and coatings between the 1950s and 1970s. They were also long contained in flame retardants and plasticizers. PCBs are now considered pollutants and their use, like PCP, has been banned since 1989. However, due to their long history in the construction industry, PCBs can still be found in the joints or in the paintwork of older homes today. If they are released during renovation work or similar construction measures, they can endanger health.

Halogen-organic compounds in the textile industry

In addition to these three halogenated organic compounds, there are about 1,000 others. Not all of them are as well researched as DDT, PCP and PCB – and not all of them are banned. Halogenated organic compounds also play a role in textile processing and in the manufacture of cosmetics. Nevertheless, many of them are considered questionable substances, such as Öko-Test reports. They can trigger allergies or cause even more lasting damage to your health.

The textile industry mainly uses so-called AOX, which stands for “adsorbable organic halogen compounds”. The X is a placeholder for the respective substance that serves as the basis for the connection. According to the International Association of the Natural Textile Industry, artificially produced AOX, such as organic chlorine compounds, are particularly dangerous to health. Most of these substances are toxic and either suspected or known carcinogens. The organic chlorine compounds include dioxins, atrazine and the already mentioned DDT.

In textile processing, AOX are primarily used for surface finishing, e.g. for impregnation. Although these hazardous substances are generally banned in Germany and Europe, they are still part of the manufacturing process in other countries.

Cosmetics: Organic halogen compounds can also be found here

In addition to the textile industry, various halogen-organic compounds are also used in cosmetics. Especially the fabric triclosan emphasizes Öko-Test in this respect. Because it kills bacteria, it is used in disinfectants, for example, but also in other hygiene and cosmetic products. It is allowed, for example, in toothpaste, soap, shower gel, face powder, cover creams or deodorant sticks.

According to Öko-Test, triclosan has been proven to be harmful, but it can still be contained in the products concerned if it does not exceed a maximum concentration of 0.3 percent. The health-damaging effect of triclosan is also confirmed by the consumer advice center. At the same time, however, she points out that the substance is now contained in significantly fewer products – in toothpaste, for example, no longer at all.

This is how you recognize and avoid halogenated organic compounds

Identifying products that contain halogenated organic compounds or their residues is not always easy. In the case of textiles in particular, the substances used in production are often not identified. As the International Association of the Natural Textile Industry notes, imported textiles are not safe from harmful substances such as AOX. On the one hand, other legal requirements often apply in non-European countries, and on the other hand there is no labeling requirement.

In order to keep the risk as low as possible, it is best to buy textiles that were manufactured within the EU and also pay attention to a meaningful seal. You can find an overview in this article: Harmful substances on the skin: These seals guarantee non-toxic clothing. Greenpeace recommends this above all IVN order-Seal that GOTS-Seal and that Made in Green-Oeko-Tex seal.

As a rule, there is more transparency with cosmetic articles: halogenated organic compounds such as triclosan must be declared on the packaging. Öko-Test recommends paying particular attention to products that are advertised as “antibacterial”.

You can often recognize halogenated organic compounds other than triclosan by their names: many contain the word components chlorine(o)-, bromo(o)-, fluoro(o)- or iodine(o)-. On the INCI list you can often identify them this way. Examples are about chloroacetamide or Iodoproynyl butyl carbamates.

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