‘What are they thinking?’: toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found in school uniforms

A new study shows that exposure to the compounds in clothes is a serious health risk.

The study found chemicals in school uniforms, rain gear, snowsuits, snowshoes, mittens, bibs, hats and stroller covers at high levels.

Graham Peaslee is a researcher at the University of Notre Dame. Everyone thinks stain- resistant clothes are great progress, but if little Johnny or Jane is covered in PFAS, is that really progress?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are used to make consumer products that resist water, stains and heat. They are referred to as "forever chemicals" because they accumulate in the environment and human body. There are links between PFAS and a number of serious health issues.

The study of textiles purchased in the US and Canada is the first to examine the use of toxic compounds in school uniforms and other indoor children's clothing. According to Peaslee, turnout gear used to protect firefighters has higher levels of PFC than school uniforms.

All school uniforms tested from nine popular brands were found to contain the pesticide. Chemicals were found in uniforms made from cotton. In low-income, Catholic and other private elementary schools, uniforms are required for 25% of US school children.

The most common compound detected was 6:2 ftoh, which is used in floor wax and food packaging. According to The Guardian, the producers of PFAS hid the dangers of 6:2 FTOH by not telling regulators that animals exposed to the compound at very low levels in lab tests had serious health issues.

When it breaks off from clothing it can be absorbed through the skin. Kids have a smaller body mass, which makes them vulnerable. According to the study, it is best to avoid clothing with labels like "waterproof", "weather resistant", or "stain-resistant".

"I don't know any parent who values stain repellency over their child's health." New York and California are about to ban the use of PFCs in textiles.