Can PFAS and flame retardants in children's clothing transfer through sweat?
Yes. A 2025 Sci Total Environ study found PFAS and organophosphate esters in children's textiles, and sweat increased modeled skin absorption by up to 3252-fold for PFAS and 835-fold for OPEs.
What is in treated textiles
Children's clothing and household textiles can contain PFAS for water resistance and organophosphate esters, or OPEs, used as flame retardants or plasticizers.
These chemicals matter for babies and children because clothing touches skin for long periods. Sweat can change how much moves from fabric to skin.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Sci Total Environ tested household textiles and children's garments for 28 PFAS and 9 OPEs. PFAS were detected in 87.9% of samples. OPEs were found across the samples, with triphenyl phosphate as a common compound.
Durable-water-repellent garments had about 3x higher PFAS and OPE concentrations than conventional functional items. In the exposure model, sweat increased chemical absorption by up to 3252-fold for PFAS and 835-fold for OPEs compared with dry contact.
The study also found textile extracts reduced HaCaT skin-cell viability in lab testing. That supports choosing simpler baby clothing when you can.
Safer next steps
For babies, choose GOTS organic cotton basics when possible. Avoid clothing marketed as stain-resistant, water-repellent, or flame-retardant unless the treatment is clearly disclosed. Wash new clothes before wear.