
Recent findings from laboratory tests conducted by Arnika, dTest, and consumer associations from Hungary, Austria, and Slovenia revealed the presence of harmful bisphenols in textiles, particularly in women’s underwear, prompting European consumer organisations to advocate for an EU-wide ban on these chemicals.
The study analysing 166 samples from five European countries found that approximately 33% contained detectable levels of bisphenols, with 10% exceeding scientific safety limits. Notably, women’s underwear was the most affected, with up to 50% of samples containing bisphenols, including products marketed towards young girls.

Bisphenols are known endocrine disruptors, which interfere with the hormonal system and can have adverse effects even at extremely low doses, mimicking natural hormones like estrogen. Animal studies have shown that high doses of bisphenols can cause damage to reproductive organs, kidneys, liver, immune system, and metabolism, as well as trigger early puberty. These substances pose significant risks by disrupting natural hormonal processes, potentially impacting reproductive and developmental health. Their presence in clothing is particularly concerning, as these chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, leading to long-term health effects.
The study finds that underwear with a high cotton content is unlikely to contain bisphenols. Test results show that underwear made from synthetic materials like polyamide and polyester increases the risk of exposure to bisphenols. Interestingly, well-known brands performed worse on average than budget stores, indicating that price and brand reputation do not guarantee safety from these chemicals.
In response to these alarming findings, organisations including Arnika and dTest from the Czech Republic, ZPS from Slovenia, VKI from Austria, and the Association of Conscious Consumers from Hungary have called for several measures:
- EU-wide ban on bisphenols and their derivatives with endocrine, reproductive, or sensitizing properties in all products by 2029.
- Increased transparency through the introduction of a Digital Product Passport, providing consumers with detailed information about the chemical content of their clothing.
- Inclusion of bisphenols as a group in the Global Plastics Treaty’s phase-out list to ensure plastics are produced without toxic additives.
- Stricter ecolabel certification standards to ensure that clothing labeled as environmentally friendly does not contain harmful chemicals.
These organisations emphasise that without adequate systemic regulation, ordinary consumers have limited means to protect themselves from exposure to these harmful chemicals.
Malaysia has a ban on the use of bisphenol A in baby bottles but this is not enough as bisphenols are used in other consumer products. Bisphenols as a group and other hazardous chemicals in plastics and consumer products must be prohibited.
REFERENCES:
https://arnika.org/…/consumer-organizations-demand-eu…
https://arnika.org/…/ban-bisphenols-in-all-products…