Textile products with electronic heating functions are available to consumers for use at home and for outdoor activities. Since these products contain electronic parts and heating functions, an increased risk of flammability can be expected, making the addition of flame retardants to these products likely.
The objective of this study is to provide insight into which flame retardants are used in textiles containing electronic parts, whether these flame retardants are regulated by applicable European law, and whether they pose a health risk to consumers. The study also investigates if textile products with electronic parts contain other hazardous substances specific for this product type.
In the product survey, information about 67 textile products were listed comprising, amongst others, blankets, mattress pads, gloves, socks, and jackets with heating functions. A selection of products was purchased for chemical analysis. Three flame retardants (TCEP, TCPP and TPP) were quantified at low concentrations, indicating that the substances had not been added to achieve flame retardancy. Banned flame retardants such as PBB and PBDE were not detected.
Additionally, non-target screenings were conducted to detect other substances. Of the detected substances, many are fragments of polyester or substances known as additives in polyester, PS or PVC polymers. These substances have been evaluat-ed to be non-specific for the product type textiles with electronic parts.
The health risk characterisation shows risk ratios below one. Thus, the assessment shows that the health risk for consumers’ use of textiles with electronic parts is con-trolled for the measured concentrations of flame retardants.