Spectrophotometric Determination of Formaldehyde Concentration from the Dyed Fabrics in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

In the current study formaldehyde determination in fabric was performed 21 fabric samples from local market shops and branded shops. Out of 20 samples, thirteen samples were out of range as per OEKO-TEX standards. Out of all the samples, bed sheets have 316.5 mg/Kg and curtains have 539.7mg/Kg and 771.1 mg/Kg concentration which were collected from local markets and proved to be in the category with the highest risk and children fabric were found within the limits. According to the results, the fabric manufactured in Pakistan has formaldehyde greater in most of the samples than the permissible limits. Maximum concentration of formaldehyde is present in the sample of local market. However, a high level of formaldehyde is also present in branded samples which are undoubtedly a health hazard. From this study it is evident that fabric material manufactured in Pakistan does not meet international quality standards.