Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is expanding his scrutiny of chemicals used in clothing, this time targeting children’s undergarments sold by Hanes and Fruit of the Loom.
Paxton announced October 6 that his office issued Civil Investigative Demands to both companies as part of an investigation into the potential presence of toxic chemicals in materials used in children’s underwear.
The demands seek information and documents for the investigation. They do not establish that either company violated Texas law or that harmful levels of chemicals have been found in their products.
“We must protect our children who cannot yet protect themselves,” Paxton said. “This includes making sure that the necessities parents rely on are free from toxic chemicals and do not harm the health of kids.”
Synthetic Materials Draw Scrutiny
Paxton’s office pointed to the widespread use of synthetic materials such as polyester, rayon, and spandex, which can involve plastic-derived materials or chemical-intensive manufacturing processes.
The attorney general’s office identified bisphenols, phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, parabens, and fluorine compounds among chemicals of concern in textile manufacturing.
A peer-reviewed review titled An Overview of Chemical Additives on (Micro)Plastic Fibers: Occurrence, Release, and Health Risks found that synthetic fibers can shed microplastics and that textile additives may be released through washing, abrasion, wear, inhalation, ingestion, and dermal exposure.
The study did not test Hanes or Fruit of the Loom children’s underwear and does not establish that either company’s products contain harmful levels of the substances under investigation.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says exposure to certain PFAS at certain levels may be associated with reproductive, developmental, immune, and other health effects, including an increased risk of some cancers.
The agency also notes that research is continuing into how different PFAS compounds and exposure levels affect human health.
Companies Respond
Gildan Activewear, which owns Hanes, said it will cooperate with Paxton’s investigation and emphasized that it follows industry chemical-safety standards, Reuters said.
Fruit of the Loom had not immediately responded to a request for comment cited in the same account.
Fruit of the Loom states that it commissions third-party testing by laboratories accredited by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to confirm that its children’s products comply with applicable standards.
The company also says it certified 100% of its production to OEKO-TEX standards in 2024 and requires its own manufacturing sites and suppliers to comply with a Restricted Substance List.
Paxton Previously Targeted Lululemon
The latest investigation follows another Texas inquiry involving chemicals used in apparel.
The Dallas Express previously covered Paxton’s April investigation into Lululemon over potential PFAS in its activewear and whether the company’s marketing accurately represented product safety.
In that case, Paxton issued a Civil Investigative Demand seeking information about Lululemon’s materials, testing methods, restricted-substances policies, and safety claims.
“Americans should not have to worry if they are being deceived when trying to make healthy choices for themselves and their families,” Paxton said at the time.
The Hanes and Fruit of the Loom inquiry broadens that scrutiny from adult athletic clothing to children’s basic apparel.
Paxton’s office has not announced findings against either company, and the investigation remains ongoing.
