The chemical additives that are used to create uniforms that are waterproof, comfortable, stain-resistant, and wrinkle-resistant are causing workers to get sick. One flight attendant even claimed that her rashes looked like chemical burns, and she had to get an antibiotic because of an infection. Some doctors have even recommended that flight attendants carry EpiPens on board. Numerous factors can lead to a lawsuit against Delta Uniforms, and we’ve outlined the five main ones.
Formaldehyde
The Formaldehyde lawsuit against Delta is being filed by several employees who were exposed to toxic levels of this chemical in their uniforms. These chemicals are regulated by the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, which gives the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to regulate industrial chemicals. While the EPA has not yet ruled on the suit, the plaintiffs’ suit may win.
Waterproof
Many Delta employees have been claiming they’ve developed severe health complications after being exposed to the company’s water-resistant, stain-resistant uniforms. They say they suffered from headaches, hives, fatigue, and even respiratory illnesses. Some even claimed to have developed auto-immune conditions. A lawsuit has been filed against Delta and Lands’ End for failing to warn employees about the chemicals used in uniforms.
Wrinkle-resistant
Wrinkle-resistant, fire-resistant, and flexible are all qualities of the perfect uniform. Airlines want uniforms that last, yet still allow employees to move freely and retain their shape. To make their uniforms more comfortable and durable, they use various chemicals and dyes to give them certain properties. Unfortunately, these chemicals are often applied in inconsistent amounts, which means that they aren’t always effective. Luckily, there are several ways to find a quality uniform that meets these requirements.
Anti-static
A lawsuit filed in Wisconsin federal court against Lands’ End and the manufacturer of Delta uniforms is seeking medical monitoring fund and injunctive relief for employees who have developed health problems from the company’s use of certain chemicals. Bromine, heavy metal, and chemical additive, is a known irritant for mucous membranes, tissues, and skin, and is responsible for a variety of ailments.
High-stretch
In a class action lawsuit filed in Wisconsin federal court on Oct. 3, Delta flight attendants are seeking injunctive relief and compensation for health problems associated with high-stretch Delta uniforms. The company is accused of using chemicals to make uniforms that were harmful to workers’ health. The uniforms contain heavy metals and chemicals at levels far beyond the recommended safe levels. According to the lawsuit, these chemicals cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even hair loss.
Rashes
Sixty-four thousand employees of Delta Airlines are complaining of adverse health effects due to the new Delta uniform. The company introduced the new uniform on May 29, 2018, and it is believed to be the cause of numerous rashes among employees. The new uniforms feature blouses, skirts, shirts, sweaters, pants, and even shoes. They claim the new fabrics are highly stretchy and wrinkle-resistant. They are also waterproof and anti-static, and some plaintiffs claim they are deodorizing.
Scaly patches
A recent Delta Uniforms lawsuit has claimed that the scaly patches on flight attendants’ uniforms caused them to develop various skin problems. Flight attendants Stephanie Andrews and Monica DeCrescentis have each claimed to have suffered hives, breathing difficulties, and skin irritations due to the dyes used to make their uniforms. They also allege that their uniforms have caused low white blood cell counts and skin reactions.
Allergic reactions
Several reports from flight attendants have revealed that they have suffered various illnesses after wearing the airline’s uniforms. Flight attendants have reported skin irritation, hives, and respiratory illnesses. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) has been working with Delta and American Airlines to solve the issue, and has already negotiated replacements for the uniforms. However, the lawsuit claims that the airline has not made the necessary changes to its uniforms.