As Halloween approaches, concerns are rising about the safety of costumes, which are typically designed for single use. Many of these garments have been found to contain hazardous substances, including lead, cadmium, and BPA, which pose significant health risks.
Anti-fast-fashion advocates often criticize the trend of clothing designed for short-term use, but Halloween costumes represent an extreme version of this phenomenon. These costumes are usually discarded after one wear, as their appeal diminishes with changing pop culture references and the low-quality materials used.
The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) has reported finding dangerous levels of toxic substances in costumes from retailers like Halloween Express and Spirit Halloween. CEH science lead Mihir Vohra noted that these levels exceed thresholds set by California, which would require health warnings.
Exposure to these chemicals can lead to severe health issues. There is no safe level of lead exposure, particularly for children, as it can cause significant nervous system damage and cognitive impairments. Cadmium ingestion can result in acute gastroenteritis, with the potential for permanent damage at elevated levels. BPA, an endocrine disruptor, adversely affects hormonal regulation and is linked to numerous health issues, including infertility, breast cancer, endometriosis, and developmental disorders in children. Research has also shown that exposure to BPA during pregnancy can have lifelong health implications for infants.
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