Recall of Flammable Garments

          In the past year, a large amount of clothing has had to be recalled due to the lack of adherence to the Flammable Fabrics Act. This act, established in 1953, classifies fabrics according to how fast they burn under controlled testing conditions.  Standards for rating apparel fabrics is divided into three categories: Class 1 is normal flammability, Class 2 is intermediate flammability, and Class 3 is rapid and intense burning.  If the fabric is unsuitable for clothing, it would fall into Class 3.  This means that the flame is spread throughout the garment in 3.5 seconds or less. Manufacturers, distributers, retailers, and importers should carefully evaluate the flammability compliance of their garments before sale.  Unfortunately, many stores have been selling clothes that are unfit for safety.   


      One of the stores that is having to recall many garments is Chanel.  A large amount of scarves, tops, and dresses have been recalled because they have been reported as being highly flammable.  These items, all made from pure silk, retail from $430 to $3,650.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission has asked that all customers immediately stop wearing these garments and return them to the store for a full refund. These items are considered extremely dangerous because they fail to meet flammability standards and pose a fire hazard to the consumer.  Pictures of the aforementioned garments are shown below. 

      Chanel has not been the only store that has had to recall garments due to flammability.  Macy's recently recalled womens' dresses as well as children and infants' pajamas.  In Culver City, California, Macy's stores have issued the recall in cooperation with USCPSC.  There were around 2100 dresses involved in this recall due to the lack of meeting federal flammability standards.  This poses a fire hazard to the consumer and can be very dangerous.  Macy's has also recalled a large amount of childrens' pajamas.  Hundreds of sets of children's sleepwear have been recalled by Sage Green Organics.  These pajamas did not meet the tight fitting sizing requirements and failed to meet the federal flammability standards for childrens' sleepwear.  Pictures of the womens' dresses and childrens' sleepwear are shown below.

      It is very important that the manufacturers, distributers, importers, and retailers carefully evaluate their garments before selling them to make sure that they comply with the Flammable Fabrics Act.  This will save a lot of money and time, and it is extremely important so that their garments do not cause harm to the consumers.