The accredited testing laboratory of TITV e. V. has been awarded the grade “Excellent” in an international interlaboratory test carried out by the Dutch Institute for Interlaboratory Studies to determine the formaldehyde content in textiles.
This award underlines the outstanding capabilities of the testing laboratory in an important area of textile safety.
Overview of the interlaboratory test
144 laboratories from 29 countries took part, including nine from Germany. The samples were sent out on October 10 and the TITV testing laboratory completed its tests on October 23. The final results were published in February and the excellent test was confirmed with a certificate. This recognition is a confirmation of the high quality and reliability of the testing laboratory in ensuring high testing standards and the safety of textiles.
The importance of formaldehyde testing
Formaldehyde is a known pollutant that is frequently found in textiles as it is used in finishing processes and as a component of adhesives. The substance may be present in textiles in quantities of up to 75 mg/kg, a value that is regulated by various ecological standards due to the potential health risks of skin contact.
The method for determining the formaldehyde content:
1. A sample of 1 gram of the textile is extracted with water.
2. The sample is then filtrated.
3. Two different chemicals are added to the filtrated sample.
4. If formaldehyde is present, it reacts and forms a yellow colored compound.
5. the intensity of this color is measured to determine the formaldehyde concentration.
