Texas investigates Hanes, Fruit of the Loom over chemicals in kids' underwear
The state has not accused the companies of wrongdoing or released any test results showing harmful chemicals in their products.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation on Tuesday into whether Fruit of the Loom and Hanes use toxic chemicals in producing children's underwear.
Paxton said he sent civil investigative demands to Fruit of the Loom, which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, and Hanes, which is owned by Canadian company Gildan Activewear, citing the chemicals' potential effects on children's health.
He did not accuse either company of wrongdoing.
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"We must protect our children who cannot yet protect themselves," Paxton said in a news release.
"This includes making sure that the necessities parents rely on are free from toxic chemicals and do not harm the health of kids."
The state has not released test results showing what is in the named brands' clothing, and the announcement does not cite test results.
Montreal based Gildan said it will co operate with the investigation, and maintains strict manufacturing and sourcing standards to comply with industry guidelines related to harmful chemicals.
"We remain committed to providing safe, high quality products for consumers," it said in a statement to Reuters.
Fruit of the Loom and Berkshire did not immediately respond to requests from Reuters for comment.
Paxton said clothing manufacturers have turned increasingly to synthetic materials such as polyester, rayon and spandex to meet consumer demand for lower priced products.
He said research shows that synthetic fabrics can shed microplastics, while chemicals including bisphenols, fluorine, parabens, phthalates and so called "forever chemicals" used in textile manufacturing have been associated with cancer, hormone disruption, infertility and other health concerns.
"Forever chemicals" are also known as PFAS, short for per and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
The investigation focuses on whether potentially harmful substances could be present in or used during the manufacturing of these products.
Civil investigative demands are part of the information gathering process and allow investigators to seek information as they examine a matter.
The investigation is ongoing, and the announcement does not say whether either company has responded.
The attorney general announced a similar probe in April into whether Vancouver based Lululemon Athletica activewear contained "forever chemicals," which do not break down easily in nature.
Gildan merged with Massachusetts based HanesBrands Inc. last year in a $2.2 billion US deal.
Paxton, a Republican, is running for a U.S. Senate seat against Democrat James Talarico and trailing in most polls.
The race is among the country's most closely watched in the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
With files from CBC News, Chron and 101.5 KNUE
Isabelle Moreau is the editor of Novello Desserts and writes about family life and everyday living in Canada. The editor signs off on corrections and editorial standards.