On Tuesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton initiated an investigation into whether Fruit of the Loom and Hanes are utilizing hazardous chemicals in the manufacturing of children’s underwear.
Paxton indicated that he has issued civil investigative demands to Fruit of the Loom, which is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, and Hanes, owned by Canadian firm Gildan Activewear, highlighting the potential health risks these chemicals pose to children.
He did not imply any wrongdoing by either company.
Fruit of the Loom and Berkshire did not provide immediate responses to inquiries from Reuters.
Gildan, based in Montreal, stated that it will fully cooperate with the investigation and upholds rigorous manufacturing and sourcing standards to adhere to industry regulations regarding harmful chemicals.
In a statement to Reuters, the company remarked, “We are dedicated to offering safe, high-quality products for consumers.”
Last year, Gildan completed a merger with Massachusetts-based HanesBrands Inc. in a $2.2 billion US transaction.
Paxton noted that clothing manufacturers have increasingly resorted to synthetic materials such as polyester, rayon, and spandex to satisfy consumer demand for less expensive products.
He pointed out that studies indicate synthetic fabrics can release microplastics, while chemicals like bisphenols, fluorinated compounds, parabens, phthalates, and “forever chemicals” used in textile production have been linked to cancer, hormonal disruptions, infertility, and other health issues.
“Forever chemicals” refer to PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
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“We must safeguard our children who are unable to defend themselves,” Paxton stated in a news release.
“This involves ensuring that the essential items parents depend on are free from toxic substances and do not jeopardize the health of children.”
The attorney general previously announced a similar investigation in April regarding whether Lululemon Athletica, based in Vancouver, contained “forever chemicals,” which are resistant to breakdown in the environment.
Paxton, a Republican, is campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat against Democrat James Talarico, and is currently trailing in most polls.
This race is among the most closely monitored in the upcoming Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Canada is one step closer to moving a large swath of PFAS — a class of thousands of chemicals used in a wide range of products from food containers to clothing — to the country’s official list of toxic substances.
