Experts are advocating for stricter limits on the presence of microplastics and harmful “forever chemicals” in school uniforms as they encourage support for amendments to a significant bill under committee review in the House of Lords.
The proposed children’s wellbeing and schools bill primarily pertains to England and Wales and is set to introduce laws regulating the cost of school uniform items and the number of branded items schools require students to wear. However, recent evidence revealing the significant environmental and health risks associated with synthetic fibers and “forever chemicals” such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are used for stain and water resistance, is sounding alarm bells.
PFAS are a large family of chemicals notoriously slow to break down, with some linked to health conditions including high cholesterol, fertility problems, immune issues, kidney disease, birth defects, cancer, and a range of other serious health issues, according to the Guardian.
Lady Natalie Bennett, a Green party peer, points out the cumulative effect of exposure to such substances known as the “cocktail effect,” emphasizing that this issue impacts humans, especially children, who face continuous exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics, as well as PFAS and pesticides.
Amendments 202A and 202B aim to address these concerns. Amendment 202A calls for an urgent ban on PFAS in school uniforms and requires manufacturers to provide chemical details. Amendment 202B seeks measures to address uniforms that could harm individuals or pose ecological risks within 12 months, particularly those made of synthetic fibers.
While the global apparel industry heavily relies on synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, clear data on the material composition of school uniforms is scant. Anecdotal evidence suggests that most uniforms are made from synthetic materials, with natural fiber alternatives considered exceptions.
Recent studies have detected microplastics not only in various human body parts, including blood, semen, lungs, breast milk, bone marrow, placenta, and testicles but have also shed light on their presence in the brain, raising concerns about their health impacts, which might include oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists note that synthetic fibers shed microfibers even with minimal wear and tear, and inhaling them could lead to health issues. Dr. David Santillo of Greenpeace Research Laboratories calls for broad action on PFAS in children’s clothing and highlights the need for robust chemicals laws to protect people from harmful substances. Ruth Chambers, a senior fellow at the Green Alliance, calls for the UK to strengthen its stance against harmful chemicals and align with EU standards to safeguard public health and the environment.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/03/forever-chemicals-in-school-uniforms-could-be-banned-under-proposed-law
