PFAS chemicals in school uniforms class action lawsuit investigation

PFAS in kids’ uniforms: Who’s affected?

(Photo Credit: David Monniaux)

If your child wears a school uniform, they may be exposed to dangerous “forever chemicals” every day. Recent research suggests that many school uniforms contain PFAS, a range of chemicals that are used to make clothing water resistant or stain resistant, but may cause harm to human health.

Parents of school age children are likely familiar with the frustration that comes when a child stains a new shirt, particularly if that shirt is part of a school uniform. To read this problem, many school uniforms are made with stain-resistant properties. However, the chemicals used to make school uniforms stain-resistant may harm children.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (known as PFAS) are a group of chemicals that do not degrade naturally, or degrade very slowly. This quality gives them a nonstick quality, and makes them attractive for use in a range of products. In pan coatings, they help food not stick to a cooking surface. In school uniforms, they help stains from becoming embedded in fabric

However, because these chemicals degrade very slowly, they can stay in the human body and the environment for many years. According to recent research, when these chemicals build up in the human body, they may cause health problems including developmental delays and cancer. While these chemicals seem to pose a risk to people at any stage of life, researchers are particularly worried about their risks to children. Because children are smaller, absorbing a high amount of these chemicals may affect them more profoundly. Additionally, as their bodies are still developing, they may be additionally vulnerable to the effects of PFAS chemicals.

Do you qualify?

If your child wears a school uniform and has experienced health issues, you may have a legal claim. You may be eligible to participate in a PFAS in school uniforms class action lawsuit investigation. Taking legal action against the makers of your child’s uniform may be one way to receive compensation for physical, emotional, or financial injuries that you or your child may have suffered as a result of PFAS in a school uniform.

Fill out the form on this page for more information.

PFAS research

Research into PFAS chemicals is still ongoing. However, recent studies have been conducted to better understand how widespread the chemicals are and to understand their potential impacts.

A recent study published in Environmental Science and Technology examined the presence of PFAS in school uniforms. Around 25 percent of American school children wear uniforms, making the issue a pressing one for a large portion of the population.

The study reported that of 72 kinds of uniforms tested, around 65% may contain PFAS, based on a chemical indicator used in testing. The uniforms that had the highest concentrations of PFAS included 100% cotton clothing and clothing made from a blend of cotton and spandex.

How does PFAS affect health?

The presence of PFAS in school uniforms is concerning because children could be exposed to the chemicals in multiple ways. They can absorb the chemicals through their skin, as their clothing touches their skin throughout the day. If the chemicals become detached from the clothes, children could inhale the chemicals in the air.

Health problems that have been linked to PFAS include:

  • Developmental delays
  • Cancer
  • Liver disease
  • Immune system suppression
  • Neurodevelopmental issues
  • Others

Unfortunately, the list of health issues associated with PFAS continues to grow.

Join a PFAS in school uniforms lawsuit investigation

Recent research has indicated that many school uniforms may contain PFAS, or “forever chemicals” that may contribute to health problems. If your child wore a school uniform had had health problems like neurodevelopmental issues, other developmental delays, cancer, liver disease, or immune system suppression, you may have a legal claim.

If your child wore a school uniform and suffered health issues, you may qualify to participate in a PFAS in school uniforms lawsuit investigation.

Fill out the form on this page for a FREE case evaluation.

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