On Tuesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton initiated an investigation to determine if Fruit of the Loom and Hanes incorporate hazardous chemicals in the manufacturing of children’s underwear.
Paxton indicated that he has issued civil investigative demands to both Fruit of the Loom, which is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, and Hanes, owned by Canadian firm Gildan Activewear, due to concerns regarding the potential health impacts these chemicals may have on children.
He did not suggest that either company is guilty of any misconduct.
Fruit of the Loom and Berkshire Hathaway have not yet responded to inquiries from Reuters for comments.
Gildan, based in Montreal, stated it will collaborate with the investigation and adheres to rigorous manufacturing and sourcing protocols to meet industry standards concerning harmful chemicals.
“We are dedicated to delivering safe, high-quality products to consumers,” the company expressed in a statement to Reuters.
Last year, Gildan merged with HanesBrands Inc., which is located in Massachusetts, in a $2.2 billion US agreement.
Paxton remarked that clothing manufacturers are increasingly opting for synthetic materials such as polyester, rayon, and spandex to satisfy consumer desires for more affordable products.
According to him, studies indicate that synthetic fabrics can release microplastics, while chemicals like bisphenols, fluorine, parabens, phthalates, and the so-called “forever chemicals” utilized in textile production have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, hormone disruption, and infertility.
“Forever chemicals” are commonly referred to as PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
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“It is our responsibility to safeguard our children who are unable to protect themselves,” Paxton stated in a news release.
“This involves ensuring that essential products relied upon by parents are devoid of toxic chemicals and do not jeopardize children’s health.”
In April, the attorney general announced a similar inquiry regarding whether Vancouver’s Lululemon Athletica activewear contained “forever chemicals,” which are resistant to natural degradation.
Paxton, a Republican, is contesting a U.S. Senate position against Democrat James Talarico and is trailing in most surveys.
This election is considered one of the most closely monitored races 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.