Children's clothing complies with EU regulations, but unregulated chemicals remain
A new study supported by Mistra SafeChem has found a range of unregulated chemicals in children's clothing sold on the Swedish market. While the garments generally complied with current EU regulations, researchers identified substances that are not covered by existing legislation, highlighting the need for continued monitoring of chemicals used in textiles.
Children's skin is thinner and less developed than that of adults, making them more vulnerable to chemical exposure. To better understand what chemicals may be present in everyday clothing, researchers at Stockholm University analysed 60 children's garments purchased on the Swedish market. Overall, the garments complied with current EU regulations. However, the researchers also found several chemicals that are not regulated today. One example was the substance 2-bromo-4,6-dinitroaniline, which was detected at concentrations up to 300 ppm. This can be compared with the EU limit of 30 μg/g for several similar chemicals that are regulated.
“The garments we analysed generally complied with current EU regulations. At the same time, we found several chemicals that are not covered by existing legislation, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and research on chemicals used in textiles,” says Professor Ulrika Nilsson.
Polyester and cotton showed clear differences
The study found clear differences between materials. Dark-colored synthetic-based garments generally contained the highest numbers and levels of chemicals. In contrast, light-colored cotton garments contained fewer chemicals and lower overall concentrations. The researchers also looked at what happens when clothes are washed. Washing removed chemicals much more efficiently from cotton than from polyester. In several polyester garments, many of the detected chemicals remained even after repeated wash cycles.
“One of the clearest findings was the difference between materials. Polyester garments generally contained more chemicals and retained them to a greater extent after laundering, while cotton garments contained fewer chemicals and showed a greater washout effect,” says Awat Dostberg, PhD student in Prof. Nilsson group.
Supporting safer and more sustainable textiles
The findings contribute new knowledge about chemicals in everyday textile apparel and highlight the importance of looking beyond substances that are already regulated. The study was carried out within Mistra SafeChem, a research programme that aims to support the development of safer chemicals, materials and products. By identifying chemicals that are currently outside existing regulations, the research can help improve our understanding of chemical exposure and support future efforts to make textiles safer and more sustainable by design.
About the study
Researchers at Stockholm University analysed 60 infant garments purchased on the Swedish market. The study screened the garments for 50 textile-related chemicals using a method developed at the university.
The research was conducted by Awat Dostberg, Ulrika Nilsson, Tim Åström, Ioannis Sadiktsis and Conny Östman and was supported by Mistra SafeChem, Formas and the European Research Council (ERC). Read the research External link.