Shocking Study: Toxic Lead Found in Kids’ Clothes
Preliminary research has found that some cheap, fast-fashion children’s clothes may contain unsafe levels of lead, a toxic metal. The study was carried out by chemists at Marian University and presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society in Atlanta on 23 March.
The research team was led by environmental chemist Kamila Deavers. Her interest in lead contamination began over 15 years ago when her two-year-old daughter was found to have high levels of lead in her blood during a routine test. Deavers traced the source back to lead-coated toys. After removing those items from her home, her daughter’s lead levels returned to normal within two weeks.
In this new study, Deavers and her team, including undergraduate students Cristina Avello and Priscila Espinoza, bought children’s clothing (for ages six and under) from four different discount and fast fashion retailers. They tested 12 T-shirts of different colours. Each shirt was cut into three parts—sleeves, logos, and the rest of the fabric—to make sure the results were accurate and consistent.
The team first used X-ray fluorescence to check for lead, then confirmed the amounts using a more precise method called inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results were alarming: every single sample had lead levels above the safety limit of 100 parts per million set by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Brightly coloured fabrics, especially red and yellow ones, generally had the highest lead levels.
The researchers also wanted to understand how much lead could actually enter a child’s body. They tested how much lead could be released in conditions similar to stomach acid, simulating what might happen if a child sucks or chews on clothing—a common behaviour. Using standards from the US Environmental Protection Agency, they estimated how much lead could be absorbed.
Their findings showed that the possible lead exposure from these clothes could exceed the daily safe intake limit for children, which is 2.2 micrograms per day according to the US Food and Drug Administration. Two shirts went far beyond this limit, including one with more than double the safe amount. Deavers warned that these estimates are likely conservative, meaning the real risk could be even higher.
Lead is believed to get into clothing through the application of chemical fixatives called mordants, such as lead (II) acetate (which has been widely used for hundreds of years), and could potentially result from contamination during the production process via the use of additives or other stabilisers.
Safer alternatives are available and include using natural mordants derived from plants, such as the bark of the oak tree and the peel of the pomegranate. Deavers believes the cost associated with using plant-based mordants will prohibit implementation unless there is demand from consumers and other government entities.
Her goal is to inform and educate with regard to parental use of lead-contaminated clothing in order to promote safer purchasing practices. Many do not understand this concern when purchasing inexpensive children’s clothing.
