Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into clothing companies, including Fruit of the Loom and Hanes, over their potential use of “toxic chemicals” in children’s underwear.
Paxton, a Trump-endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate in the midterms, announced the probe Tuesday, weeks before Election Day.
“With the rise of fast fashion, clothing retailers have increasingly turned to cheaper, synthetic materials to keep up with competitive prices and consumer demand,” Paxton stated in a press release. “Popular synthetic materials such as polyester, rayon, and spandex can involve plastic-derived materials or chemical-intensive manufacturing processes.”
He added: “While these processes can be cheaper and more convenient for manufacturers, concerns have been raised about their potential effects on consumers’ health, especially for children.”
Studies have found that synthetic textiles can release microplastics, which have been linked to cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine issues. So-called “forever chemicals” used in clothing manufacturing, PFAS have been tied to negative health effects, including increased risk of cancer.
As part of the new investigation, civil investigative demands have been issued to Fruit of the Loom and Hanes — major clothing companies headquartered in the U.S.
A representative for Gildan Activewear, which owns Hanes, told Reuters said it will cooperate with the investigation, noting that it complies with strict sourcing and manufacturing standards. “We remain committed to providing safe, high-quality products for consumers," the representative said.
The Independent has contacted Fruit of the Loom and its parent company, Berkshire Hathaway, for comment.
“We must protect our children who cannot yet protect themselves. This includes making sure that the necessities parents rely on are free from toxic chemicals and do not harm the health of kids,” Paxton said. “If any corporation is harming Texas consumers, I will go after them.”
Paxton, a Republican, is running against Democratic nominee James Talarico for Senate in Texas, one of the most closely followed midterm races in the country. The attorney general is running behind Talarico in most recent polls.
While Trump has endorsed Paxton and campaigned with him Wednesday in San Antonio, the men have at times appeared critical of each other.
In a leaked September audio recording obtained by Politico, Paxton complained that he did not feel “in control” of his campaign and “what issues are going to matter because it’s all coming, you know, from D.C.” A campaign adviser later said he was referring to super PACs.
Paxton also privately told donors and lobbyists last month that Trump's war against Iran and the resulting spike in fuel costs were damaging his electoral chances, Axios reported. His campaign described it as “a non-story.”
Trump has also described Paxton as a “pain in the a**” and mocked his physical appearance.
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