Dangerous Flannelette.

Manawatu Herald, 28 February 1899, Page 3

Dangerous Flannelette.

The London correspondent of the Lyttelton Times writes :— I have it on the authority of a very large shipper of soft goods, that the cotton fabric known as " flannelette " is largely used in the Antipodes, and it may be well therefore to caution housewives against using it before it has been through the wash tub. Some samples of flannelette recently tested have been found to be loaded with chloride of zinc, a chemical which has a cauterising effect on the skin, and in course of lime may either destroy the epidermis or create nasty sores. The effect of this adulteration is shown by a report from Birmingham. Some weeks ago over sixty men engaged in clearing away snow in the streets were invalided in consequence of skin irritation produced by the chloride of zinc washed out from their overcoats and overalls. A few days ago it.was stated that half the number were still under treatment as out-patients at the hospital, and that it was likely to be some time yet before they were back at work again. What effect flannelette treated with the same chemical would have on the delicate skin of women and children can be left to the imagination. All danger, however, can be averted by washing thoroughly all new flannelette garments.