Manufacturers Can Avoid Chemical Liability Dangers of Wrinkle-Free Clothing

Jonathan Judd, a partner at Havkins Rosenfeld Ritzert & Varriale, advises clothing manufacturers to ensure the safety of their products by monitoring the presence and amount of chemicals, particularly formaldehyde, in each garment.
By: Hackney Communications
 
Jan. 18, 2011 - PRLog -- New York, NY – Clothing manufacturers must ensure the safety of their products by monitoring the presence and amount of chemicals, particularly formaldehyde, in each garment, according to legal expert Jonathan Judd.

Jonathan Judd, a partner at Havkins Rosenfeld Ritzert & Varriale, has successfully defended manufacturers against claims arising from injuries allegedly caused by formaldehyde in textiles.

Formaldehyde is a chemical that is added to clothing to make it wrinkle-free or wrinkle-resistant, sometimes causing individuals to suffer from allergic skin reactions.  Most consumers take for granted that a new article of clothing is safe to wear, according to Judd.

“People rarely become allergic to the low levels of formaldehyde released by textile resins, but for those already sensitized, it is entirely possible to react to the low levels released by textile resins in clothing,” said associate professor Susan Nedorost in The New York Times.  Nedorost is a staff member of dermatology and environmental health sciences at Cleveland’s University Hospitals Case Medical Center.  

The biggest potential issue for people who choose to wear wrinkle-resistant clothing is itchy skin reactions, rashes and blisters.  “Manufacturers must strive to produce items with as little formaldehyde as possible to avoid liability,” said Judd.  

Critics of the use of formaldehyde say more studies on a wider array of textiles and clothing chemicals are needed to determine the cumulative effects of using formaldehyde in household and personal care products.  At the very least, they say, manufacturers should consider better, clearer labeling, even something as simple as "wash before wear or use."

Judd was successful in having a claim against a manufacturer dismissed, where a consumer allegedly suffered an allergic reaction to formaldehyde. One of the factors weighing in the defendant’s favor was the fact that no other consumer had experienced a similar reaction.  Furthermore, the manufacturer attempted to manufacture the product with less formaldehyde before placing it on the market. But it could not have been made with any less of the chemical.

Judd has lectured to manufacturers on how they can take adequate measures to minimize the risk of such litigation.  For more information on Judd and his practice, please see http://www.hrrvlaw.com/attorneys/judd.php.

For further resources on the topic, see The New York Times article “When Wrinkle-Free Clothing Also Means Formaldehyde Fumes”, published on Dec. 11, 2010.

About Havkins Rosenfeld Ritzert & Varriale, LLP

Havkins Rosenfeld Ritzert & Varriale, LLP is a law firm that makes a difference. From the beginning, HRRV vigorously works with its clients to develop innovative and effective strategies to achieve the client’s objectives. The firm’s practice includes sports, recreation and entertainment counseling and litigation. HRRV has offices in New York City, Mineola and White Plains, New York.

For more information, contact the firm at (212) 488-1598 (New York City), (516) 471-1900 (Mineola) or (914) 682-2636 (White Plains) or send an e-mail to info@hrrvlaw.com.
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Source:Hackney Communications
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Tags:Jonathan Judd, Formaldehyde, Wrinkle-free Clothing, Clothing Manufacturers, Chemicals, Textiles
Industry:Apparel, Manufacturing, Textile
Location:Austin - Texas - United States
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