Practical assessment

The aim of the comprehensive Oeko-Tex® laboratory tests is a realistic, practice-based assessment of the human ecological optimisation of the products.

It is not the total quantity of substances potentially contained in a textile which represents a risk for the consumer, but simply the bioavailable portion of chemicals present, in other words, only those substances or quantities of substances which could actually reach the body when using a textile.

The Oeko-Tex® test methodology is therefore based on simulation tests, amongst other things, which take into account the potential ways via which chemicals may be absorbed into the body:

• Absorption via the skin:
  Tests are carried out using an artificial perspiration solution to ascertain whether and to what extent substances present could be released from the textile whilst perspiring.
  
  
• Ingestion:
  The ingestion of harmful chemicals plays an important role in particular with baby products. It is simulated using tests with an artificial saliva solution.
  
  
• Inhalation of harmful substances:
  The possibility of inhaling potentially harmful substances from the air is covered by the Oeko-Tex® laboratory tests using olfactometry and emission measurements.

The stringency of the limit values defined is always based on the degree of contact with the human skin.