Texas AG Paxton probes Fruit of the Loom, Hanes over potential toxic chemicals in children’s underwear

By Jonathan Stempel

Oct 6 (Reuters) – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation on Tuesday into whether Fruit of the Loom and Hanes use toxic chemicals in ​producing children’s underwear.

Paxton said he sent civil investigative demands ‌to Fruit of the Loom, which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, and Hanes, which is owned by Gildan Activewear, citing the chemicals’ potential effects on children’s health. He did not accuse either company of wrongdoing.

Fruit of ‌the ​Loom and Berkshire did not immediately ⁠respond to requests for comment.

Gildan ⁠said it will cooperate with the investigation, and maintains strict manufacturing and sourcing standards to comply with industry guidelines related to harmful chemicals. “We remain committed to providing safe, ​high-quality products for consumers,” it added.

Paxton said clothing manufacturers have turned increasingly to synthetic materials such as polyester, rayon ⁠and spandex to meet consumer demand ⁠for lower-priced products.

He said research shows that synthetic ​fabrics can shed microplastics, while chemicals including bisphenols, fluorine, parabens, phthalates and ​so-called “forever chemicals” used in textile manufacturing have been associated ‌with cancer, hormone disruption, infertility and other health concerns.

“We must protect our children who cannot yet protect themselves,” Paxton said in a statement. “This includes making sure that the necessities parents ⁠rely on are free from toxic chemicals and do not harm the health of kids.”

The attorney general announced a similar probe in April ⁠into whether Lululemon ‌Athletica activewear contained forever chemicals, which do ⁠not break down easily in nature. Forever chemicals ​are ‌also known as PFAS, short for per- and ​polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Paxton, ⁠a Republican, is running for a US Senate seat against Democrat James Talarico and trailing in most polls. The race is among the country’s most closely watched in the November 3 midterm elections.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Mark Porter ​and Daniel Wallis)