US agency sends warning for BPA in textiles
Different blends of polyester, cotton, and spandex were tested. The concentrations found were up to 19 times over the California safe limit of the chemical, though socks predominantly made from cotton were not affected.
Certification agency OekoTex described this as a reason for concern. “The route of exposure for the chemical is dermal absorption - directly through the skin - when wearing the socks, as well as ingestion via hand-to-mouth contact after touching or handling the socks.”
Defendants have 60 days to work with CEH to remedy the violations, for instance adding warning labels for the presence of BPA, before CEH files a complaint.
BPA can be added in the manufacturing of polyester as an intermediary step to improve the natural properties and lifespan of a fabric, according to OekoTex. In the production of polyester fabric, BPA can be used to create hygroscopic and antistatic fabric with colour fastness to washing. BPA and other bisphenols may be used as dye-fixing agents for polyester and polyamide textiles. BPA can be used in the production of flame retardants, fungicides, antioxidants and in PVC production. And it may also be used in spandex production for antistatic properties.
Traditionally, BPA was not considered a high-risk chemical in textile fibres. The European Commission (EC) has asked the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) to determine whether clothing articles expose consumers to a concerned level of BPA, whether vulnerable consumers such as infants, young children or pregnant women are at higher risk and, if possible, to recommend limit values.
