Dimethylol Dihydroxyethylene Urea

Dimethylol dihydroxyetheylene urea and dimethyl dihydroxyethylene urea are chemicals used in textile finishes for wash and wear colored and white fabrics. They are also used as a finish in permanent press fabrics to prevent wrinkling and shrinking. 

You should avoid contact with these substances, including fabric types listed below. Unfortunately, fabrics typically do not have labels indicating ingredients used to “finish” them. Direct communication with the fabric manufacturer may be helpful in determining if a particular fabric was treated with this chemical. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure. Choose “untreated” synthetics, such as pure polyester, nylon, or acrylic textiles that generally do not require these cross-linking resins because they are naturally wrinkle-resistant. Also, look for certifications: Seek out garments with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) labels. These certifications completely ban or have strict limits on the use of harmful formaldehyde-releasing resins.