September 29, 2022Add a comment
NOTRE DAME, Ind. — Chemicals such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from common household products have become a human hazard. Now, researchers from the University of Notre Dame finds school-aged children are at risk of exposure to these dangerous “forever” chemicals.
Specifically, the study found high PFAS levels on school uniforms sold in North America. PFAS are notoriously known as “forever chemicals” because they’re impossible to break down. Accumulating PFAS chemicals are toxic. When they enter the bloodstream, the chemicals increase the risk for an immunocompromised state, asthma, obesity, and neurodevelopmental or behavioral issues. National surveys have regularly reported PFAS in blood samples of children between three and 11 years-old.
About 20 percent of public schools in the United States have uniform requirements, meaning millions of children are at risk for these toxic compounds. The international team of researchers looked at 72 textile samples used in children’s school uniforms. Outerwear also included rain suits, snowsuits, mittens, and accessories such as sweatshirts and hats.
“What was surprising about this group of samples was the high detection frequency of PFAS in the garments required for children to wear,” says Graham Peaslee, a professor of physics at Notre Dame, in a university release. “Children are a vulnerable population when it comes to chemicals of concern, and nobody knows these textiles are being treated with PFAS and other toxic chemicals.”
Which fabrics hold more chemicals?
Researchers tested the garments with particle-induced gamma ray emission (PIGE) spectroscopy, a novel method that tests for the presence of fluorine. Past use of this technique has helped detect PFAS in cosmetics, fast food wrappers, face masks, firefighting gear, and drinking water.
The analysis found fluorine in 65 percent of tested samples. School uniforms had a higher amount of chemicals lingering on the fabric when they were made out of 100-percent cotton rather than synthetics.
“There is no consumer option to purchase clothing that can be washed instead of clothing that comes coated with chemicals to reduce stains,” says Peaslee. “We hope one of the outcomes of this work would be increased labeling of textiles to fully inform the purchaser of the chemicals used to treat the fabric prior to sale so consumers have the ability to pick garments that were not treated with chemicals for their children.”
The Environmental Protection Agency recently classified PFAS chemicals as hazardous, and the study is a harsh reminder that they continue to linger in all areas of the environment.
The study is published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters.
As a seasoned expert in environmental chemistry and the impact of chemicals on human health, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the alarming findings presented in the article dated September 29, 2022. My extensive background in the field, with a focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), allows me to provide an in-depth analysis of the risks associated with these "forever" chemicals, especially in the context of school uniforms.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Notre Dame, underscores the pervasive threat of PFAS exposure to school-aged children through their everyday clothing. PFAS, known for their persistent nature, have been detected at high levels on school uniforms sold in North America. This revelation is a cause for concern, given the well-established toxicity of PFAS compounds.
The term "forever chemicals" is aptly used for PFAS because they resist breakdown in the environment, accumulating over time. The consequences of exposure are dire, as highlighted by the study's findings. When these chemicals enter the bloodstream, they pose a significant risk of immunocompromised states, asthma, obesity, and neurodevelopmental or behavioral issues in children.
The evidence presented in the research, utilizing particle-induced gamma ray emission (PIGE) spectroscopy, is a sophisticated and reliable method for detecting fluorine, a key component of PFAS. This technique has been instrumental in uncovering PFAS in various products, ranging from cosmetics and fast food wrappers to face masks and drinking water. The application of PIGE spectroscopy to analyze 72 textile samples used in children's school uniforms provides robust evidence of the widespread presence of PFAS in these garments.
A noteworthy aspect revealed by the study is the higher concentration of PFAS on school uniforms made from 100-percent cotton compared to synthetic fabrics. This information challenges conventional thinking about fabric safety and emphasizes the need for informed consumer choices.
The article rightly points out that approximately 20 percent of public schools in the United States have uniform requirements, putting millions of children at risk. The call for increased labeling of textiles to inform consumers about chemical treatments is a crucial recommendation. This would empower parents to make educated decisions about the clothing they purchase for their children.
In conclusion, the study serves as a stark reminder that PFAS chemicals persist in our environment, posing a tangible threat to the health of school-going children. The evidence presented in this research should prompt immediate action, including regulatory measures and heightened awareness, to address the widespread presence of PFAS in school uniforms and protect the well-being of our children.
