Lab Notes: Lead may be hiding in your clothing

About this episode

This episode discusses the potential dangers of hazardous chemicals like lead and azo dyes in clothing.

Ever wondered how your sweater became bright orange, or how your leather shoes were made? Chances are, at some point in the process, hazardous chemicals like lead or azo dyes were used. Jonathan Webb speaks to Ellen Phiddian, science reporter with Radio National, about whether these chemicals are dangerous to us, and if we should be worried about them. You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more. Get in touch with us: labnotes@abc.net.au Featuring: Ellen Phiddian, science reporter Further information: Lead may contaminate our clothes but there's no requirement to test for it This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal, Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.

People in this episode

Host: Jonathan Webb

Guest: Ellen Phiddian

Topics covered

• hazardous chemicals
• clothing safety
• lead contamination
• azo dyes
• health risks

Keywords

• lead
• azo dyes
• clothing
• hazardous chemicals
• health risks

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Radio National

Places: Gadigal, Ngunnawal, Ngambri

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