Is there lead in fast fashion children's clothing?

Yes, lead has been found at unsafe levels in fast fashion children's clothing. A notable investigation by CBC Marketplace tested children's garments from several ultra-fast fashion brands and found a Shein toddler jacket containing 20 times the acceptable limit of lead. Lead can be present in fabric dyes, printed graphics, metal snaps, zippers, and decorative elements.

Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure for children. Even low levels can cause cognitive impairment, behavioral problems, and developmental delays. Children are at particular risk because they absorb a higher percentage of ingested lead than adults and frequently put clothing, zippers, and drawstrings in their mouths.

To protect your children, avoid ultra-fast fashion brands that lack transparent supply chains and third-party testing. Choose clothing certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (Class I for babies) or GOTS, both of which test for lead and other heavy metals. Washing new clothes before wearing helps with some surface contaminants but does not remove lead that is integrated into the material itself.