Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on October 6 that his office has issued Civil Investigative Demands to both Hanes and Fruit of the Loom. The demands request documents and data related to the use of synthetic fibers and associated chemicals in children’s undergarments.
Why the investigation matters for Texas families
Paxton emphasized the need to protect children who cannot protect themselves, stating, “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.” The focus is on synthetic materials such as polyester, rayon and spandex, which often involve plastic‑derived components and chemical‑intensive manufacturing processes.
Chemicals under scrutiny
The attorney general’s office identified several substances of concern commonly found in textile production: bisphenols, phthalates, per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), parabens, and other fluorine compounds. A peer‑reviewed study titled “An Overview of Chemical Additives on (Micro)Plastic Fibers: Occurrence, Release, and Health Risks” notes that synthetic fibers can shed microplastics and release additives during washing, wear, and even skin contact.
While the study did not test Hanes or Fruit of the Loom products directly, it underscores the potential pathways for exposure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has warned that certain PFAS exposures may be linked to reproductive, developmental, immune, and cancer risks, though research on specific health outcomes continues.
Company responses
Gildan Activewear, the parent company of Hanes, said it will cooperate with the investigation and highlighted its adherence to industry chemical‑safety standards, according to Reuters. Fruit of the Loom has not yet commented, but the company notes that it commissions third‑party testing by labs accredited by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and that it certified 100% of its 2024 production to OEKO‑TEX standards. It also requires its manufacturing sites and suppliers to follow a Restricted Substance List.
Context of Paxton’s broader apparel oversight
This probe follows an earlier Texas inquiry into Lululemon over potential PFAS in its activewear. In that case, Paxton also issued a Civil Investigative Demand and warned that Americans should not have to worry about deceptive safety claims when making healthy choices for themselves and their families.
The current investigation expands the focus from adult athletic apparel to children’s basic clothing, reflecting Paxton’s broader effort to ensure that everyday necessities sold in Texas meet safety expectations.
What’s next?
Paxton’s office has not announced any findings against either company, and the investigation remains ongoing. The demands are a legal tool that compels the companies to provide information; they do not, by themselves, establish any violation of Texas law or confirm the presence of harmful chemical levels.
Texas parents and consumer‑advocacy groups are watching the outcome closely, hoping the inquiry will lead to clearer labeling, stricter manufacturing standards, and greater transparency for products that end up in family drawers across the state.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
