Some of these chemicals may have inherent properties that are hazardous to human health or the environment. Textiles may contain residues of a large number of chemicals used in their manufacture. These materials come from four main sources: animal (wool, silk), plant (cotton, flax, jute), mineral (asbestos, glass fibre), and synthetic (nylon, polyester, acrylic). Textiles can be made from many materials. Textiles widely used for carpeting, furnishings, window shades, towels, coverings for tables, beds, flags, backpacks, tents, nets, handkerchiefs, balloons, kites, sails.
Textile can be defined as “a flexible woven material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibres often referred to as thread or yarn”.