Safety requirements evaluation criteria for E-Textiles

As E-Textiles evolve, certifications and safety requirements will emerge first from the private sector. However, as the industry matures, government intervention will most likely begin to define detailed requirements for consnmer safety, and particularly, for child safety parameters. In one sense, the E-Textile indnstry, while in its infancy, is more like the Wild West. The no rules experimentation, exploitation of new concepts fueled by trial and error, entreprenenrial spirit, creativity, unproven technologies and risk—are now typical of the growing pains of an emerging industry. 

From the foregoing discussion, it can be seen that E-Textiles utilizing sensors, microprocessors, and technology-enhanced materials can be classified into two basic subcategories  

Fashion statements (costumes, catwalks, and consumer entertainment) 

Utility functions (military, medical, safety, and pragmatic applications, such as charging and controlling digital devices, caller ID and other smart phone apphcations, and visual feedback 

1 Body heat, flexible PV, motion power generation methods 

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