New Test Finds Toxic Chemicals in Underwear
New tests have found that one in three underwear products contain bisphenols.
The tests, conducted by collaboration between Arnika and consumer associations from Czechia, Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia, analysed 116 different types of underwear for a range of bisphenols.
Some bisphenols, such as bisphenol A (BPA), are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs are chemicals that disrupt the body’s sensitive hormone system, which regulates functions such as metabolism, growth and reproductive development.
Exposure to bisphenols has been linked to various health impacts such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and hormonal cancers such as breast and prostate. Bisphenols are often added to textiles as colour stabilisers.
30% of the underwear tested contained bisphenols (such as BPA, BPS, or BPF). Even at very low levels some bisphenols can interfere with our sensitive endocrine system.
The tests showed a higher risk of chemical exposure from underwear made from synthetic fibres. The findings indicate that underwear with a higher percentage of cotton is less likely to contain bisphenols, regardless of brand or location.
Arnika highlights that women are at higher risk, as women’s underwear is predominantly made from synthetic materials.
They washed 16 of the samples with the highest bisphenol levels and found that, on average, washing reduced the overall bisphenol content by 74%, thereby reducing the risk of exposure for the wearer. However, despite this reduction, all samples were still classified as high-risk after washing. Additionally, the results varied, with the bisphenol levels in four of the products actually increasing after washing.
The reduction in bisphenol content after washing also indicates that bisphenols may be polluting the environment if they are not properly removed during wastewater treatment.
CHEM Trust supports Arnika’s call for a ban on toxic chemicals, including bisphenols, in all consumer products.
This study highlights the increased risk that harmful chemicals pose to women’s health. This week (21-25thOctober) is Environmenstural week in the UK. The Women’s Environmental Network is raising awareness of toxic chemicals in menstrual products, calling on people to #BreakUpWithToxicPeriods. Read more on Wen’s website here.
