HLN rings the alarm bell again
Now that Shein is opening physical stores: how (un)safe is their cheap clothing? “This slipper is 325 times more ‘toxic’ than allowed”
Het Laatste Nieuws once again contacted our expert Stijn Steuperaert for new insights into the fast fashion situation, where the online platform SHEIN floods the European market. Due to the uncontrollable volume, strict standards regarding safety, health, and the environment are often disregarded.
In the interview, Stijn strongly warns about the dangers of Shein clothing. Laboratory analyses showed that some products, such as slippers and a raincoat, contained up to hundreds of times more plasticizers than legally allowed. “I never buy anything there,” he says, pointing to both the poor quality and the health risks: plasticizers are endocrine disruptors that can affect fertility, thyroid function, and even unborn children.
According to Steuperaert, washing or cleaning is no solution: “Plasticizers are not water-soluble.” He advises consumers to check for safety labels such as OEKO-TEX, the country of origin (preferably Europe), and to avoid PVC. Although Shein removed some products after criticism, Steuperaert remains skeptical: “Every day they put thousands of new items online – whether all of them are properly checked is highly doubtful.”
