Information about levels of metals in non-domestic raw cottons is limited or non-existent. Because of increased importation of these cottons for domestic consumption in recent years, interest in their metal content has increased for a number of reasons. High levels of certain metals may cause problems in yarn manufacturing, fabric production, dyeing and finishing, and considerations involving textile wastes in commercial fabric production.

A limited study of metals in raw cottons from Africa, China, Greece, Syria, and Russia was conducted. General comparisons of metals in these cottons and those found in four growing areas in the U.S. were made. In general, foreign cotton metals contents were much more variable than U. S. grown cottons. Calcium levels in three of these growing areas were determined to be 10 to 20% higher than domestic cottons. Iron content for the limited number of African and Greek cottons studied was also higher than U. S. cottons.