Rovira J et al., 2025·Journal of Environmental Science and Health. Part A, Toxic/hazardous Substances & Environmental Engineering·
Global textile production, driven by consumer demand, raises significant concerns about exposure to chemicals in clothing and related products. This review synthesizes evidence (2019-2025) on hazardous substances in textiles, including dyes, plasticizers, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and metals, and identifies and categorizes their associated human health risks. Emerging evidence highlights microfibers as critical vectors for chemical exposure via inhalation and dermal routes, necessitating updated risk assessments. Focusing on dermal absorption as the primary exposure route, risks to vulnerable populations (e.g., infants, pregnant women) and gaps in regulatory frameworks are highlighted. The current analysis reveals that chronic exposure to chemical mixtures in textiles remains poorly understood, with current safety assessments often neglecting synergistic effects. Key findings include elevated risks from phthalates in infant clothing, PFAS in water-repellent fabrics, and carcinogenic aromatic amines (AAs) from azo dyes. We underscore the urgency of harmonized global regulations, advanced biomonitoring, and sustainable alternatives (e.g., enzymatic dyes, biodegradable finishes). Public awareness initiatives and stricter enforcement of certifications like OEKO-TEX(®) or GOTS are critical to mitigating risks. Interdisciplinary collaboration among textile technologists, toxicologists, and public health experts is essential to develop safer textile alternatives and integrate health-centric approaches into sustainability agendas, safeguarding consumers, workers, and ecosystems.
Abstract Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), previously known as perfluorinated compounds (PFC), are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used over the past decades. Their extensive application, combined with their environmental persistence, has contributed to their ubiquitous presence in the environment and the associated toxicological risks. Regarding humans, blood serum testing remains the primary method for biomonitoring PFAS exposure, while breast milk has also been used due to the transfer of these substances from mothers to infants during lactation. This paper aims to review the scientific literature (using PubMed and Scopus databases) on PFAS concentrations in the breast milk of non-occupationally exposed women. Where available, the estimated daily intake of these compounds by breastfeeding infants is also examined. The reviewed studies are categorized by continent and country/region, revealing a significant lack of data for many countries, including both developed and developing nations. The findings indicate substantial variability in PFAS concentrations, influenced by factors such as geographic location, sampling year, and the specific PFAS analyzed. Among the identified compounds, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are most commonly detected, along with perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), being the only PFAS with regulated maximum levels in certain foodstuffs. Most studies were conducted before the implementation of the current (updated) tolerable weekly intake (TWI) values for these substances. Consequently, the majority reported a low health risk for breastfeeding infants, even in high-intake scenarios. Nevertheless, biomonitoring studies are urgently needed in countries with limited or no data, and new investigations should assess whether current estimated intakes exceed the updated TWI. Special focus should be given to rural and industrial areas where exposure levels remain poorly understood.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer and industrial products due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, their persistence and bioaccumulative potential pose significant environmental and human health risks. This review focuses on the use of non-invasive matrices—urine, hair, and nails—for the human biomonitoring of PFAS, highlighting key findings from scientific studies. While urine offers a non-invasive and practical option, its limited sensitivity for long-chain PFAS requires further analytical advances. Hair and nails have demonstrated potential for use in biomonitoring, with higher detection frequencies and concentrations for certain PFAS compared to urine. The variability in PFAS levels across studies reflects differences in population characteristics, exposure sources, and geographic regions. This review emphasizes the need for standardized analytical methods, expanded population studies, and the use of complementary matrices to enhance the accuracy and reliability of PFAS exposure assessment.
Aromatic amines (AAs) are polar organic chemicals with a wide environmental distribution originating from various sources, such as tobacco smoke, diesel exhaust, and dermal absorption from textile products with azo dyes. The toxicity profile of AAs is directly related to the amino group's metabolic activation and the generation of the reactive intermediate, forming DNA adducts and potential carcinogenicity. Urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) are an important biomarker of DNA damage. Since AAs have been shown to cross the placental barrier, being a risk factor for adverse birth outcomes, prenatal exposure is a great public health concern. The present study aimed to measure the urinary levels of 58 AAs in Brazilian pregnant women (n = 300) and investigated the impact of this exposure on DNA damage by quantifying 8OHdG levels. The influence of tobacco smoke exposure and dermal absorption of AAs by clothes on urinary levels was also assessed. The results showed a 100% detection rate for eight AAs, two of them regulated by the European Union (2,6-dimethylaniline and 2,4-diaminotolune). Hundreds of AAs may be derived from aniline, which here showed a median of 1.38 ng/mL. Aniline also correlated positively with 2,6-dimethylaniline, p-aminophenol, and other AAs, suggesting exposure to multiple sources. The present findings suggest that both tobacco smoke and dermal contact with clothes containing azo dyes are potential sources that might strongly influence urinary levels of AAs in Brazilian pregnant women. A multiple regression linear model (R2 = 0.772) suggested that some regulated AAs (i.e., 2-naphthylamine and 4-aminobiphenyl), nicotine, smoke habit, age, and Brazilian region could induce DNA damage occurrence, increasing the levels of 8OHdG. Given the limited available data on human exposure to carcinogenic AAs, as well as the lack of toxicological information on those non-regulated, further studies focused on measuring their levels in human fluids and the potential exposure sources are clearly essential.
In recent years, the interest in determining the chemical composition of textile products has increased among the scientific community and regulatory agencies, driven by toxicological issues and environmental concerns. Chemical elements are naturally present in clothing as natural fibers or intentionally added during manufacture. Some of them show physical-chemical properties that allow their absorption through the skin. In addition, chronic situations increase the dermal exposure capacity. Because of age-specific behavioral characteristics and underdeveloped physiological function, children may be especially sensitive to exposure to trace elements. This study aimed to analyze the levels of twenty trace elements in 120 clothing items commercialized in Spain. Textile products for pregnant women and children <36 months old were included. The potential health implication of this dermal exposure in early life was also evaluated. Aluminum, zinc, and titanium showed the highest concentrations, with median levels of 27.6, 5.6, and 4.2 mg/kg, respectively. Since chromium is employed as a metal complex dye in synthetic fibers, high levels of this element were found in black polyester. Dermal exposure to titanium, which is a ubiquitous element in clothes made of synthetic fibers, was associated with a hazard quotient (HQ) higher than the threshold value (HQ > 1), with values of 1.13 for pregnant women and 1.22 for newborns. On the other hand, HQ values of other elements and cancer risks were lower than the recommended values. Assessing early-life exposure to toxic elements can help to identify potential sources and to prevent or reduce human exposure, mainly in vulnerable groups.
Souza MCO et al., 2023·Journal of Environmental Management
The staggering amount of chemicals in clothes and their harmful effects on human health and the environment have attracted the attention of regulatory agencies and the scientific community worldwide. Azo dyes are synthetic dyestuffs with widespread use in textile industries, currently classified as emerging pollutants of great health concern to consumers. These compounds may release one or more aromatic amines (AAs) after reductive cleavage of their azo bounds. Twenty-two AAs have already been regulated due to their carcinogenic effects. However, since information on their potential toxicity is not currently available, several AAs have not been still regulated by the European Union. Considering this gap, the present study aimed to assess the levels of forty non-regulated AAs in 240 clothing items from Spain and Brazil. The potential impact on the health of vulnerable population groups after dermal exposure to those garments was also evaluated. In Brazil, at least one AA was detected in the clothes, while in samples obtained in Spain, only two of them showed values below the limit of detection for AAs. In 75 clothes, at least one of the measured AAs was higher than the hazardous threshold (30 mg/kg), which can mean risks to human health since these compounds are suspected to be mutagenic. Aniline, the most common AA, showed a high detection rate (82%) in clothes, with significantly higher concentrations in items commercialized in Brazil (0.35 vs. 0.17 mg/kg; p = 0.032). Moreover, o-aminobenzenesulfonic and p-phenylenediamine, suspected mutagenic, were found at relevant concentrations in several clothes, mainly made of synthetic fibers. In this study, the hazard index associated with exposure to AAs through clothing was low (0.006-0.13) for all the population groups of both countries in the medium-bound scenario. However, its value was close to 1 for Brazilian pregnant women (0.998) when the maximum concentration value was considered under an upper-bound scenario. The risk of exposure to non-regulated AAs may be underestimated since only dermal exposure was considered for risk assessment. Moreover, the co-occurrence of other carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic substances present in skin-contact clothes should mean an additional source of potential risk.
Herrero M et al., 2023·Science of The Total Environment
Textile manufacturing consists of a multiple-step process in which a wide range of chemicals is used, some of them remaining in the final product. Bisphenols (BPs) are non-intentionally added compounds in textiles, whose prolonged skin contact may mean a significant source of daily human exposure, especially in vulnerable groups of the population. The present study aimed to determine the levels of bisphenol A (BPA) and some BP analogs (BPB, BPF, and BPS) in 120 new clothes commercialized in Spain for pregnant women, newborns, and toddlers. In addition, exposure assessment and risk characterization were also carried out. Traces of BPA were found in all the samples, with a median concentration of 7.43 ng/g. The highest values were detected in textile samples made of polyester. Regarding natural fibers, higher concentrations of BPs were observed in garments made of conventional cotton than in those made of organic cotton, with a significant difference for BPS (1.24 vs. 0.76 ng/g, p < 0.05). Although toddlers have a larger skin-area-to-body-weight ratio, pregnant women showed higher exposure to BPs than children. Anyhow, the non-carcinogenic risks associated with BPA exposure were below the unity, even under the upper-bound scenario. However, risks could be underestimated because other exposure routes were not considered in this study. The use of BPA has been restricted in some food-related products; therefore, BPA should also be regulated in the textile industry.
Azo dyes used in textile products contain aromatic amines (AAs), which may be released into the environment after skin bacteria cleavage the azo bond. In Europe, 22 carcinogenic AAs are regulated. Unfortunately, no information is available in many non-European countries, including Brazil. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of 20 regulated AAs in clothes marketed in Brazil and Spain. Generally, higher levels of regulated AAs were found in samples sold in Brazil than in Spain, which is linked to the lack of regulation. Sixteen AAs showed concentrations above 5 mg/kg in samples commercialized in Brazil, while 11 exceeded that threshold in Spain. Regulated AAs with levels above 5 mg/kg were more found in synthetic clothes of pink color. Concentrations in clothing were also used to evaluate the dermal exposure to AAs in 3 vulnerable population groups. The highest exposure corresponded to 2,4-diaminoanisole for toddlers in Brazil and 4,4-oxydianiline for newborns in Spain. Non-cancer risks associated with exposure to 4,4-benzidine by Brazilian toddlers was 14.5 (above the threshold). On the other hand, 3,3-dichlorobenzidine was associated with potential cancer risks for newborns and toddlers in Brazil. Given this topic's importance, we recommend conducting continuous studies to determine the co-occurrence of carcinogenic substances.
Herrero M et al., 2022·Environmental Pollution·
Open Access
Clothes may contain a large range of chemical additives and other toxic substances, which may eventually pose a significant risk to human health. Since they are associated with pigments, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may be especially relevant. On the other hand, infants are very sensitive to chemical exposure and they may wear some contact and colored textiles for a prolonged time. Consequently, a specific human health risk assessment is required. This preliminary study was aimed at analyzing the concentrations of PCBs in ten bodysuits purchased in on-line stores and local retailers. The concentrations of 12 dioxin-like and 8 non-dioxin-like PCB congeners were determined by gas chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry, with detection limits ranging between 0.01 and 0.13 pg/g. The dermal absorption to PCBs of children at different ages (6 months, 1 year and 3 years old) was estimated, and the non-cancer and cancer risks were evaluated. Total levels of PCBs ranged from 74.2 to 412 pg/g, with a mean TEQ concentration of 13.4 pg WHO-TEQ/kg. Bodysuits made of organic cotton presented a total mean PCB concentration substantially lower than clothes made of regular cotton (11.0 vs. 15.8 pg WHO-TEQ/kg). The dermal absorption to PCBs for infants was calculated in around 3·10-5 pg WHO-TEQ/kg·day, regardless the age. This value is > 10,000-fold lower than the dietary intake of PCBs, either through breastfeeding or food consumption. Furthermore, this exposure value would not pose any health risks for the infants wearing those bodysuits. Anyhow, as it is a very preliminary study, this should be confirmed by analyzing larger sets of textile samples. Further investigations should be also focused on the co-occurrence of PCBs and other toxic chemicals (i.e., formaldehyde, bisphenols and aromatic amines) in infant clothes.
Nowadays, most of the swimsuits are mainly made of artificial fibres, which have interesting properties such as water repellence and fast drying. Swimsuits contain a wide range of additives, which can mean a hazard for the environment and/or human health. In this study, the concentrations of formaldehyde (free and water soluble), 24 aromatic amines, and 28 trace elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Sn, Tl, Ti, V and Zn) were analysed in 39 swimsuits covering a wide range of materials, colours and brands. Dermal exposure and health risks were assessed for adults (men and women) aged > 18 years old, babies between 2 and < 3 years old, children (boys and girls) between 3 and < 6 years old and 6 and < 11 years old, and teenagers (boys and girls) between 11 and < 16 years old, wearing swimsuits for 4 h or 8 h. Formaldehyde and aromatic amines were below their respective detection limits in all samples (<16 and < 1.5 mg/kg, respectively). Regarding trace elements, Ti showed the highest mean levels (1844 mg/kg), being significantly higher in polyamide (3759 mg/kg) than in polyester (24.1 mg/kg) swimsuits. These high Ti levels were confirmed by environmental scanning electron microscope in a single sample made of polyamide. Increased concentrations of Cr were also observed, but only in polyamide black fabrics, with values ranging from 624 to 932 mg/kg. Non-cancer risks (hazard quotients) derived from the exposure to trace elements were in a safe zone for all analysed trace elements. Furthermore, the carcinogenic risks were evaluated for As, Cr and Pb, exhibiting values below the 10-5 threshold, with the exception of Cr in babies and children-girls. For Ti, health risks could not be calculated due to the lack of information on toxicological data. However, because Ti was the element with the highest concentrations in swimsuits, and taking into account the potential toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles, further research is needed to assess the migration of this element from fibres to skin.
The concentration of a number of trace elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Sn, Tl, Ti, V and Zn) were determined in 42 commercialized denim garments (jeans and shirts), being dermal exposure subsequently assessed. Migration experiments with artificial acid and basic sweat were also conducted to determine the release of these elements, as well as indigo dye. In a similar way than for the total content, Mg (124 and 99.4 µg/g) and Mn (27.1 and 7.20 µg/g) showed the highest concentrations in both artificial sweat, acid and basic, respectively. Indigo dye migrated at levels ranged from 3.22 to 7.76 mg/g, being higher in dark than in light blue fabrics. The levels of trace elements and indigo were analysed according to materials of fabric, colour, brand, and eco-labelling. Using total content and migrations rates, dermal exposure to trace elements for adult men, women and teenagers were calculated under the two sweat extractions. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks due to dermal exposure to the elements here analysed in cloths were assessed. Both risks were in the limits of safe to according to international regulations. However, the maximum exposure to Sb reached a hazard quotient (HQ) of 0.3 in clothes partially made of polyester. Despite some authors have established that indigo is an agonist of the aril receptor, health risks due to exposure to indigo dye were not calculated due the lack of toxicological data.
It is well known that a number of substances used in the textile industry can mean not only environmental, but also health problems. The scientific literature regarding potential adverse health effects of chemical substances in that industry is mainly related with human exposure during textile production. However, information about exposure of consumers is much more limited. Although most research on the health effects of chemicals in textiles concern allergic skin reactions, contact allergy is not the only potential human health problem. In this paper, we have reviewed the current scientific information regarding human exposure to chemicals through skin-contact clothes. The review has been focused mainly on those chemicals whose probabilities of being detected in clothes were rather higher. Thus, we have revised the presence of flame retardants, trace elements, aromatic amines, quinoline, bisphenols, benzothiazoles/benzotriazoles, phthalates, formaldehyde, and also metal nanoparticles. Human dermal exposure to potentially toxic chemicals through skin-contact textiles/clothes shows a non-negligible presence in some textiles, which might lead to potential systemic risks. Under specific circumstances of exposure, the presence of some chemicals might mean non-assumable cancer risks for the consumers.
Domingo JL et al., 2017·Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Because of the important environmental presence and the potential human toxicity of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs), in recent years the social and scientific interest in these compounds has notably increased. Special attention has been paid to perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the most extensively investigated PFASs. Although human exposure to PFASs may occur through different pathways, dietary intake seems to be the main route of exposure to these compounds. In 2012, we published a wide revision on the state of the science regarding the concentrations of PFASs in foodstuffs, the human dietary exposure to these compounds, and their health risks. In the present review, we have updated the information recently (2011-2016) published in the scientific literature. As in our previous review, we have also observed considerable differences in the PFASs detected-and their concentrations-in the food items analyzed in samples from a number of regions and countries. However, fish and other seafood seem to be the food group in which more PFASs are detected and where the concentrations of these compounds are higher. On the basis of the recommendations of the EFSA on the maximum dietary intakes of PFOS and PFOA, human health risks would not be of concern for nonoccupationally exposed populations, at least in the very limited countries for which recent data are available.
To provide a detailed description of the current oocyte vitrification status as a means of elective fertility preservation (EFP).
Retrospective observational multicenter study.
Private university-affiliated center.
PATIENT(S): A total of 1,468 women who underwent EFP because of age or having associated a medical condition other than cancer (January 2007 to April 2015).
INTERVENTION(S): None.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Survival and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per consumed oocyte.
RESULT(S): Mean age was higher with EFP due to age versus having an associated medical reason (37.7 y [95% confidence interval (CI) 36.5-37.9] vs. 35.7 y [95% CI 34.9-36.3]). In total, 137 patients (9.3%) returned to use their oocytes. Overall survival rate was 85.2% (95% CI 83.2-87.2). Live birth rate per patient was higher in women ≤35 years old than ≥36 years old (50% [95% CI 32.7-67.3] vs. 22.9% [95% CI 14.9-30.9]). CLBR was higher and increased faster in younger women. The gain in CLBR was sharp from 5 (15.4%, 95% CI -4.2 to 35.0) to 8 oocytes (40.8%, 95% CI 13.2-68.4), with an 8.4% gain per additional oocyte, in the ≤35-year-old group. The increase was slower with 10-15 oocytes, reaching a plateau CLBR of 85.2%. A milder increase (4.9% gain) was observed in the ≥36-year-old group (from 5.1% [95% CI -0.6 to 10.7] to 19.9% [95% CI 8.7-31.1] when 5-8 oocytes were consumed), reaching the plateau with 11 oocytes (CLBR 35.6%). Forty babies were born.
CONCLUSION(S): At least 8-10 metaphase II oocytes are necessary to achieve reasonable success. Numbers should be individualized in women >36 years old. We suggest encouraging women who are motivated exclusively by a desire to postpone childbearing because of age, to come at younger ages to increase success possibilities.
Domingo JL, 1989·Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
Cobalt is an essential trace element which is widely distributed in nature. Most of cobalt consumed is used in the manufacture of alloys, and although not released extensively in the environment, it may represent a hazard to human health. In addition, excess dietary cobalt produces toxic effects in animals. Polycythemia and hyperglycemia with transitory damage to pancreatic alpha-cells have been widely reported after cobalt administration. Cobalt salts induce respiratory deficiency in yeast. CoCl2 increased sister chromatid exchange (SCE) in P388D1 cells and in lymphocytes from two donors. So far it has not been possible to induce cancer in experimental animals using cobalt by any other route than by injection. Ingestion of cobalt may lead to reproductive changes in the male rat such as loss of testicular volume and darkening of testicle color. On the other hand, oral administration of cobalt did not produce teratogenicity or significant fetotoxicity in the rat at daily doses as high as 100 mg CoCl2/kg. However, cobalt affected the period of late gestation as well as the postnatal development of the pups. Occupational toxicology of cobalt, hygienic and epidemiologic aspects, and treatment of cobalt poisoning are also topics of special interest. Cobalt is a metal with marked allergenic potential. Asthma, interstitial lung disease and combined asthma and alveolitis have been described as occupational health hazards. EDTA, DTPA, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine have been suggested as possible antidotes in cobalt intoxication.