Warning over harmful chemicals found in online clothing products

Items flagged by the researchers as having elevated levels of chemicals included a children's tutu dress, a children's dress featuring the character of Elsa from the popular animated movie Frozen, a red purse, and a set of plastic bibs. Picture: iStock

People who buy so-called 'fast fashion' products from online retailers outside Europe may be exposing themselves to potentially harmful chemicals, according to new research.

As part of a recent investigation conducted by Marketplace, a Canadian consumer advocacy TV programme, chemists took samples from 38 items of children's, adult, and maternity clothes and accessories purchased from Chinese online retailers.