ISO 14184
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ISO 14184
ISO 14184 standard establishes the test requirements and conditions necessary to determine the free or hydrolysed formaldehyde content in textile products. This test is important for manufacturers as it ensures that the products are safe for consumer use.
Formaldehyde may be present in textiles in two primary forms:
- Free formaldehyde wherein the formaldehyde is present in textiles in the free or unbound form. It is easily released from the fabric and could thus pose health risks to the consumer.
- Hydrolyzed formaldehyde where formaldehyde is often found to be initially bound to certain chemicals present in textiles but could be released into the environment under certain conditions such as moisture or heat during hydrolyzation.
This standard has been divided into three parts based on the type of formaldehyde investigated and the methodology involved and are covered in the subsequent sections.
Importance of ISO 14184
Studies have shown that the presence of formaldehyde in clothes leads to irritation, allergy and sensitization and may eventually result in breathing disorders. Therefore, testing for formaldehyde content is important to determine if these textiles meet the set acceptable limits.
By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can avoid costly product recalls and ensure that their brand reputation is maintained. Moreover, testing would ensure the products meet regulatory requirements by ensuring the levels of formaldehyde fall within acceptable ranges. Therefore, manufacturers or distributors of textile materials must ensure to test their products using this standard, especially for those items that are in direct contact with the skin for a longer time such as clothes, bed linens or even upholstery materials.
Test conditions
The standard provides a well-defined test method to ensure uniformity in the results obtained. The test conditions include:
- Textiles must be prepared according to specified dimensions and weights to ensure uniformity.
- Test samples must be tested at a specific temperature setting (usually 40°C).
- Test materials must be immersed in water for a defined time to facilitate the release of any free formaldehyde into the solution.
- The pH levels should be controlled for proper detection of formaldehyde levels.
- The solution used to extract formaldehyde from the sample should meet the required concentration specifications to eliminate false readings.
These conditions help provide a controlled environment for the release of formaldehyde enabling the chemical to be accurately quantified.
Test requirements
- Sample type – The fabric used for testing should reflect the final product that will be used by the consumer (e.g., washed or unwashed fabric).
- Testing frequency – Manufacturers should test their products frequently, particularly after making changes in the raw material or manufacturing process.
- Formaldehyde limits – Formaldehyde limitations vary in different regions. Therefore, it is necessary to test the formaldehyde content accurately depending on the regional regulatory requirements.
Adhering to these criteria enables manufacturers to ascertain that their products are safe for consumption as well as comply with regulatory requirements.
Overview of ISO 14184-1, -2, and -3 standards
ISO 14184 is divided into several parts, each addressing a different aspect of formaldehyde testing in textiles:
- ISO 14184-1 (Method A) focuses on determining free and hydrolyzed formaldehyde released by textile materials when immersed in water.
- ISO 14184-2 (Method B) method addresses formaldehyde present in textile extracts and is used for materials that are likely to come into direct contact with the skin for prolonged periods.
- ISO 14184-3 (Method C), less often referenced, applies to those materials that emit no formaldehyde in water but potentially can do so under other different conditions, like dry cleaning or storage.
Each standard serves a specific purpose in ensuring textile safety across various use cases.
ISO 14184 methodology
Method A: Determination of free and hydrolyzed formaldehyde
The test begins by preparing the sample solution. 5 ml of acetylacetone reagent is added to the sample solution and is incubated at 40°C for 30 minutes. The sample is cooled and the absorbance of the solution is measured using a spectrophotometer at 412 nm. The solution must be diluted if the formaldehyde content in the sample exceeds 500 mg/kg. Parallel tests are conducted with a control to check for impurities or discoloration. A dimedone confirmation test can be performed if there is suspected non-formaldehyde absorption.
Method B: Vapour absorption method
The test procedure includes immersing the textile samples in jars holding a volume of at least 50 ml of water and incubating at 49°C for 20 hours. The test tubes are then cooled and mixed with 5 ml of sample solution and 5 ml of acetylacetone reagent. It is further incubated at 40°C for 30 minutes in a water bath. After cooling, the absorbance of the solution is read at 412 nm using a spectrophotometer. In the case of formaldehyde content being more than 500mg/kg, the solution should be diluted and the results are calculated using a calibration curve.
Method C: Liquid Chromatography method
This testing method uses liquid chromatography to determine the concentration of free and hydrolyzed formaldehyde in textile samples. Through this method, formaldehyde is efficiently separated from the samples and measured, thus making it the best suited for testing textiles where the presence of color may provide inconclusive test results.
Compliance and industry standards for ISO 14184
The growing demand for certified textiles has increased the need for compliance with this standard. The acceptable limits for formaldehyde content in textile products vary from region to region. For example, in the EU, the formaldehyde content should not exceed more than 75 mg/kg for textiles that stay in contact with the skin for prolonged periods. Similarly, in Japan, the amount of formaldehyde should not be higher than 16 mg/kg for children’s apparel. Therefore, compliance with this internationally recognized standard would assist manufacturers in abiding by the regulations of regional markets.
Advantages of ISO 14184 standard
Some of the advantages of undertaking testing on formaldehyde in textiles include:
- Consumer protection
Testing using this standard ensures that the end-products are safe for use by consumers thus minimizing the potential risks of formaldehyde exposure.
- Global compliance
Testing helps manufacturers stay within the internationally acceptable limits of formaldehyde and thus fulfill regional regulatory requirements.
- Reputation and trust
By testing and verifying products using this standard, companies can build trust with consumers and regulatory bodies.
- Early detection
Regular testing of textiles ensures that high concentrations of formaldehyde can be detected early on in the manufacturing process thus preventing costly recalls or product changeovers.
Conclusion
ISO 14184 is one of the important standards ensuring the safety of textiles being sold in international markets. Manufacturers can ensure the protection of their consumers from formaldehyde exposure by following this standard and ensuring its compliance with international regulations. Testing increases the reputation of the company in the industry and can be considered a safety measure.
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), we offer comprehensive ISO 14184 testing services to help you meet global standards. Contact us today to ensure your textiles comply with safety regulations and protect your customers.
FAQs
ISO 14184 uses aqueous extraction and colorimetric analysis for the determination of formaldehyde content in textiles.
Method A assesses free formaldehyde in the aqueous solution. Method B assesses formaldehyde after it has been exposed for a long period of time.
The sample preparation process involves cutting the textile sample into appropriate pre-defined sizes and subjecting them to atmospheric conditions before immersing them in water.
The acceptable limits of formaldehyde for textiles that come in contact with skin vary by region.
Textiles should be tested at regular intervals typically after production changes or while seeking new markets for product release.
Yes, the test is applicable to several kinds of textiles, especially those that come in contact with skin.
Common challenges of formaldehyde testing are maintaining consistent sample preparation and controlling the pH and temperature during the test process.
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