Ken Paxton, attorney general for the state of Texas, has launched an investigation into Hanes and Fruit of the Loom “over the potential presence of toxic chemicals in clothing materials used in children’s undergarments,” his office said in a statement this week.

As part of this investigation, the AG has issued “Civil Investigative Demands” to both companies.

Fruit of the Loom, which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, has not publicly addressed the substance of the investigation as of Wednesday. Hanes, which is owned by Gildan Activewear, told CTV News that it will cooperate with the investigation and said the company “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.”

The Texas AG said with the rise of fast fashion, apparel retailers and brands “have increasingly turned to cheaper, synthetic materials to keep up with competitive prices and consumer demand. Popular synthetic materials such as polyester, rayon and spandex can involve plastic-derived materials or chemical-intensive manufacturing processes.”

The office said these materials may be treated with extreme heat and various chemicals during the production process. “Synthetic materials now account for a significant portion of products in the clothing industry, particularly among more affordable options,” the AG noted.

” The AG noted that industry research has revealed synthetic fabrics can shed microplastics.

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