Texas AG Paxton probes Fruit of the Loom, Hanes over potential toxic chemicals in children's underwear
GIL•GIL•GIL•GIL•Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an investigation into whether Fruit of the Loom and Hanes use potentially toxic chemicals in children's underwear. He sent civil investigative demands to the companies and did not accuse either of wrongdoing.
Paxton said he sent civil investigative demands to Fruit of the Loom, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, and Hanes, owned by Gildan Activewear, citing potential effects on children's health. Gildan said it will cooperate and maintains manufacturing and sourcing standards related to harmful chemicals.
Paxton said manufacturers increasingly use synthetic materials including polyester, rayon and spandex to meet demand for lower-priced products. He cited research on microplastics shed by synthetic fabrics and said chemicals used in textile manufacturing have been associated with cancer, hormone disruption, infertility and other health concerns.
