On 21 April 2016, Shaoxing Bureau (Zhejiang Province, China) detected that the pH value of a batch of Thailand-made fabrics was 9.0, not compliant with GB 18401-2010 National General Safety Technical Code for Textile Products.

Inspectors randomly inspected some representative samples on the field to the lab and performed testing as per GB 18401-2010 National General Safety Technical Code for Textile Products. The fabric was deemed as intended for direct contact with skin (Category B, pH range: 4.0 to 8.5). However, the result showed the pH value didn’t comply with relevant requirements.

It is commonplace to neglect pH values, however, such negligence may lead to significant problems. The pH value of human skin is usually mildly acidic (between 5.5 and 7.0). Where pH value of textiles exceeding the limit, it damages the surface environment of the skin which easily induces itches, bacterial infraction and even dermatitis. In addition, textiles are more easily to be damaged if their pH values lean to either extreme. Seeing from the above, pH values of textiles are not only closely associated with consumer health but also their own quality.

C&K Testing advises that businesses should impose strict control in raw material sourcing to ensure fabric quality comply with mandatory requirements by testing. Meanwhile, it is advisable that consumers should wash textiles prior to use especially baby and children’s wear/products to reduce hazardous substances in textiles.