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Popular pregnancy and infant clothes are riddled with hundreds of harmful chemicals, a new study reveals.
The new study, published in the journal Environmental Research, is the first to attempt a wide-ranging screen of harmful chemicals in clothing.
Over 300 chemicals, ranging from pesticides to prescription drugs, were detected in the fabrics tested.
Previous research had shown potentially harmful chemicals, heavy metals and other harmful substances in clothes designed for pregnant women, newborns and infants.
“The findings contribute important evidence regarding the plausible health risks posed by chemical constituents present in fabrics designed for infant use,” the scientists behind the study said.
“Many of them exhibit biochemical activities involving potential or demonstrated toxicity, and consequently infant textiles should be considered as an exposure and risk source.”
Children’s Health Defense outlines how the study was conducted: “The scientists collected infant garments from homes, kindergartens and stores in Granada, Spain, including both new and used clothing.
“Each sample was tested under four conditions, from water-only rinses to more aggressive chemical extractions, to see how easily compounds could leach from fabrics—a clue to how ‘bioavailable’ (able to enter the body) they might be.
“Advanced laboratory techniques were used to detect and identify compounds. The results showed a striking variety of chemical classes, from preservatives and fragrances to pharmaceuticals.”
One of the most worrying findings was that fabrics were laced with pharmaceuticals, including opioids (oxycodone, oxymorphone), antidepressants (venlafaxine), hormones (oestriol, nandrolone) and thyroid regulators. Some of these chemicals appeared in more than half of samples and remained in the fabric despite washing.
A wide variety of chemicals that should not have been present, from pesticides and biocides to food additives and flavorings, UV filters, flame retardants and plasticizers were discovered.
Many of these compounds are known to have toxic effects, including hormonal, metabolic and carcinogenic effects.
The young are particularly vulnerable to exposure.
“In these developmental periods, even subtle biochemical disruptions can contribute to long-term adverse health effects, including male infertility, endometriosis, and cancer, among others,” the researchers said.
