Ethyleneurea Melamine Formaldehyde

Ethylene urea is a finishing agent for textiles and leather. It is also used to formulate lacquers, plasticizers, and adhesives. Melamine Formaldehyde is a textile resin of formaldehyde releasing type for the treatment of heavy fabrics, draperies, coatings, collars, apparel and in water and oil repellent, and flame retardant finishes. It is effective on synthetic and natural fibers.

Ethylene urea – melamine formaldehyde mix contains:

• Dimthylol dihydroxy ethylene

• Melamine formaldehyde

You are allergic to a chemical used to make fabric wrinkle resistant or permanent press. Avoidance can be challenging as this allergen will not appear on the label of garments you buy. Several very closely related chemicals are also used to make fabrics wrinkle resistant, and because they are all very similar chemically, you should avoid all permanent press clothing. These chemicals are related to formaldehyde, to which you may also be sensitive.

Some types of fabric are more likely to be treated with this allergen. These include cotton-polyester blends. One hundred percent shrink-proof woolens, rayon, corduroy, and any blends of cotton, rayon, wool, or other synthetic or natural fabrics. It is important to remember the 100% cotton is not a guarantee of safety, as cotton can be treated with these chemicals.

Fabrics that are unlikely to be treated with these chemicals include 100% cotton denim, 100% linen, 100% silk, 100% polyester, 100% nylon, and 100% ultrasuede. If a garment wrinkles and requires ironing, it is likely to be safe.

Skin contact with ethylene urea-melamine formaldehyde mix is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing ethylene urea-melamine formaldehyde mix should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis.