Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for a seat in the U.S. Senate in the upcoming midterm elections, has recently launched an investigation into toxic underwear.
Paxton’s office issued a press release on Tuesday that explained it was going to investigate major children’s clothing brands, including Fruit of the Loom and Hanes, over “toxic chemicals” in materials used in their garments, particularly children’s undergarments. The press release called out the use of polyester, rayon, and spandex that can include plastic-derived materials.
“These materials may be treated with extreme heat and various chemicals during the process of being made into fabric. Synthetic materials now account for a significant portion of products in the clothing industry, particularly among more affordable options,” said the press release.
Paxton’s office noted that concerns have been raised about the potential impact of these fabrics on human health as companies look to reduce production costs in a market dominated by fast fashion. It said “research has found that synthetic fabrics can shed microplastics, and certain chemicals like bisphenols, phthalates, PFAS, parabens and fluorine used in textile manufacturing have been associated with endocrine disruption, infertility, cancer, and other health concerns.”
A study published last year in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances did indicate that textile microfibers might be linked to gastrointestinal health effects, including cancer, in humans. According to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization, clothing made of synthetic materials will shed like any other fabric.
However, plastic fibers don’t break down quite the same way as natural fibers do. As the clothes break down, small particles of the fibers can end up in the environment, the EWG said.
In May, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the Great American Cotton Plan. She said that it was partially intended to strengthen the cotton farm economy but also to combat “a flood of cheap synthetic products.”
“Cotton is natural, breathable, biodegradable, and proudly grown by American farmers – not manufactured from petroleum-based plastics that can shed microplastics into our soil, water, and bodies,” Rollins said.
Paxton’s press release also said that there are questions about potential for exposure to certain substances through prolonged skin contact. He has issued Civil Investigative Demands to Hanes and Fruit of the Loom.
“We must protect our children who cannot yet protect themselves. This includes making sure that the necessities parents rely on are free from toxic chemicals and do not harm the health of kids,” Paxton said. “I am now looking into major children’s clothing brands to ensure that their products do not contain harmful materials. Too many corners have been cut by corporations in this country, and I will continue to hold them accountable. If any corporation is harming Texas consumers, I will go after them. I will continue fighting for the health, well-being, and safety of the people of Texas.”
Potentially toxic fabric isn’t the only health issue on Paxton’s agenda. In a recent in-depth Q & A with the Hispanic Business Council, Paxton mentioned his proposed Healthy Living Tax Deduction.
“I was offering up a $5,000 healthy living deduction so that we encourage people at the federal level to stay healthy,” he said. “Instead of just treat sickness, let’s try to prevent it. So deductions for gym memberships, nutrition programs, sports activities, even not that anybody uses these, GLP-1s if they're prescribed by a doctor. And then also doubling the child tax credit because families that have children are struggling.”
Paxton has been endorsed by President Donald Trump. He is running against Democrat James Talarico in the November election.
