Reduction of Consumer Troubles and Consumer Education

ーCase Study of Damaged Textiles by Fluorescent Whitening Agentsー

Abstract

Consumer troubles of damaged textiles by fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) have not been resolved since the FWAs were included in laundry detergents. Judging from the analysis of data of consumer enquiries and complaints to KAO Corp., not a few problems of damaged textiles seem to occur every Year. These textiles troubles apply to the relation between the I textile color ( iight color and non-fluorescent white textiles) and the type of detergents (including FWAs)' The main focus of textile troubles is that fabrics tape on a faded appearance. The fabric care label is not enough to prevent these troubIes. Consumers themselves don't know the effect of FWAs and have little understanding of the special care needed light colored textiles. Under the present situation. cooperation between detergent makers and textile makers is necessary in order to reduce the troubles. Each maker should put warning signs clearly on the detergent label and fabric care label. Consumer education is also impotant to teach the principle of textiles troubles caused by FWAs and make standard the practice of checking the labels of detergent and textiles.