<p>Ever wondered how your sweater became bright orange, or how your leather shoes were made? Chances are, at some point in the process, hazardous chemicals like lead or azo dyes were used. </p><p>Jonathan Webb speaks to Ellen Phiddian, science reporter with Radio National, about whether these chemicals are dangerous to us, and if we should be worried about them. </p><p>You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.</p><p>Get in touch with us: <a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected]</a></p><p>Featuring:</p><ul><li>Ellen Phiddian, science reporter</li></ul><p>Further information:</p><p><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2026-05-04/lead-in-textiles-how-do-we-know-our-clothing-is-safe-to-wear/106598968">Lead may contaminate our clothes but there's no requirement to test for it</a></p><p>This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal, Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.</p>