Shafaq News- Najaf
Inside a second-hand clothing market in Najaf draws bothlow-income families and wealthier buyers chasing discounted branded items,despite the store’s unregulated conditions, and unstable roofing that at timesthreaten their safety.
Umm Zahid, 30, told Shafaq News she turned to the marketafter her husband’s death left her supporting three children, adding that they were delighted to receive branded clothes once she cleaned and ironedthem. She has since relied on it for most household needs, including garments,kitchen supplies, and appliances, due to its very low prices.
Mohammed Saadoun, 47, said he had purchased "reasonablypriced" branded items from the shops but avoids used wears due to healthconcerns, noting that he has avoided the market since the COVID-19 pandemic.“You don’t know the condition of previous owners. Some may have had infectiousdiseases.”
On health concerns, Sundus Abdul Adel Mousa, head of thecancer control unit at Najaf’s Health Directorate, warned against wearingsecond-hand clothes without proper disinfection. She said some items may carrybacteria or fungi that can cause skin conditions such as scabies or fungalinfections, as well as allergies and irritation, adding that some clothing maybe treated with chemicals during storage or transport, "which can affectthe skin or respiratory system, particularly in children with weaker immunity,"Mousa added.
She advised washing clothes thoroughly with hot water andstrong detergents, ironing them at high temperatures, and avoiding items thatcome into direct contact with the skin.
