Researchers have uncovered alarming levels of PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” in School Uniforms across North America, raising concerns about children’s exposure to these hazardous substances.
A recent study published in Environmental Science and Technology has brought to light the widespread presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in children’s clothing, with school uniforms exhibiting particularly high concentrations. Scientists from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University, the University of Toronto, and the Green Science Policy Institute collaborated on this research, analyzing a variety of children’s textiles. The findings revealed fluorine, an indicator of PFAS, in 65% of the samples tested.
Surprisingly, school uniforms showed the highest levels of PFAS contamination. Even more unexpectedly, uniforms labeled as 100% cotton contained higher concentrations compared to synthetic fabrics. This discovery challenges the assumption that natural fibers are inherently safer when it comes to chemical exposure in clothing.
“The high detection frequency of PFAS in school uniforms, garments children are required to wear, is particularly concerning,” stated Graham Peaslee, professor of physics at Notre Dame and a co-author of the study. He emphasized the vulnerability of children to toxic chemicals, noting the lack of awareness surrounding PFAS treatments in textiles. With an estimated 20% of public schools in the United States mandating uniforms, millions of children could be unknowingly exposed to these harmful compounds daily.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human bodies, pose significant health risks. These chemicals accumulate in the bloodstream and have been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including weakened immune systems, asthma, obesity, and neurodevelopmental and behavioral issues. Alarmingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has consistently detected PFAS in blood samples of children as young as 3, highlighting the extent of exposure in this age group.
Exposure to PFAS-treated clothing can occur through multiple pathways: direct skin contact, inhalation of airborne particles, and even ingestion, particularly for younger children who may mouth or chew on their clothing. The study analyzed 72 product samples purchased online in the US and Canadian markets during 2020 and 2021. Researchers focused on items marketed as water-resistant, stain-resistant, windproof, or wrinkle-resistant. Beyond school uniforms, the tested items included outerwear, accessories like bibs and hats, sweatshirts, swimwear, and stroller covers, indicating a broad presence of PFAS in various children’s products.
Further research is crucial to fully understand the long-term implications of PFAS exposure from school uniforms and other clothing. Factors such as PFAS concentration changes over the lifespan of the garment and through repeated washing need investigation. Professor Peaslee advocates for greater transparency in textile labeling, urging manufacturers to disclose chemical treatments applied to fabrics. “Consumers currently lack the option to choose washable clothing free from stain-reducing chemical coatings,” he pointed out. Increased labeling would empower consumers to make informed decisions and select chemical-free garments for their children.
The study utilized a novel screening method called particle-induced gamma ray emission (PIGE) spectroscopy, developed in Professor Peaslee’s lab at Notre Dame. This efficient technique accurately detects fluorine, a marker for PFAS. Professor Peaslee’s lab has previously employed the PIGE method to identify PFAS in various everyday products, including cosmetics, fast food wrappers, face masks, firefighting gear, and drinking water, demonstrating the pervasive nature of these chemicals in modern life.
While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking steps to classify PFAS as hazardous substances, this study serves as a stark reminder of the continued widespread use of PFAS and PFOAS in consumer and industrial products and their persistent presence in our environment. Raising awareness and demanding safer alternatives are crucial steps to protect children from the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure from school uniforms and other textiles.
