Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened a consumer investigation into two of the best-known names in children's underwear, Hanes and Fruit of the Loom, over what his office described as the potential presence of toxic chemicals in the fabric.
The attorney general's office announced the investigation Tuesday and said it has sent civil investigative demands to both companies. A civil investigative demand is a formal request for documents and information. It is not a lawsuit, and the announcement did not accuse either company of a specific violation or say that any harmful substance had been found in their products.
What the state is looking at
The release centers on fabrics like spandex, polyester and rayon, which the office said can come from plastics or be produced through processes that use heavy amounts of chemicals. It said those materials have become a large share of the clothing market, especially among lower-priced options, as retailers compete on cost.
According to the attorney general's office, research has linked synthetic fabrics to shedding of microplastics, and certain chemicals used in textile manufacturing, including bisphenols, phthalates, PFAS and parabens, have been associated with health concerns such as hormone disruption, infertility and cancer. The office also said questions remain about how much of those substances could reach the body through long contact with the skin.
In the release, Paxton said his office wants to make sure the products parents rely on "are free from toxic chemicals and do not harm the health of kids." He added, "Too many corners have been cut by corporations in this country, and I will continue to hold them accountable."