Combined exposure to high amounts of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic increases risk of kidney damage People can come into contact with chemicals that may affect their health through food and drinking water.
Safe recycling of textiles possible, but still in its infancy Textiles are produced using chemicals. Although many hazardous chemicals may no longer be used in textile production, they may still be present in donations of old clothing. RIVM has conducted a study into the safety of recycled textiles.