Scientists have detected fluorine content in 65% of children's textile samples tested. But concentrations were highest in school uniforms — and higher in those uniforms labelled as 100% cotton as opposed to synthetics.
The findings: An estimated 20% of public schools in the United States require students to wear uniforms—meaning millions of children could be at risk of exposure to the toxic compounds.
- This study included a total of 72 product samples purchased online in US and Canadian markets in 2020 and 2021.
- Researchers focused on products labelled as water or stain resistant, windproof or wrinkle resistant.
- Items tested in addition to the uniforms include outerwear such as rain suits, snowsuits and mittens; accessories such as bibs, hats and baby shoes; and sweatshirts, swimwear and stroller covers.
- The purchased items were all initially screened at Notre Dame using particle-induced gamma ray emission (PIGE) spectroscopy, a novel method developed by Peaslee for accurate and efficient testing for the presence of fluorine.
The study: Scientists at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University, the University of Toronto and the Green Science Policy Institute analysed a variety of children’s textiles.
- The findings have been published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters in a paper titled 'Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in North American School Uniforms'.
The problem with PFAS: Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are known to accumulate in the bloodstream and have been linked to an increased risk of several health problems including weakened immune systems, asthma, obesity, and neurodevelopmental and behavioural problems. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention routinely find PFAS in blood samples of children between the ages of 3 and 11.
- Clothing treated with PFAS presents multiple routes for direct exposure—through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion.
- The Environmental Protection Agency has moved to have forever chemicals officially classified as hazardous—but the study is a reminder of the continued use of PFAS and PFOAS in consumer and industrial goods and their persistence in the environment.
