Amendments to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently at committee stage in the House of Lords, could lead to restrictions on the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and synthetic fibres in school uniforms. The bill applies mainly to England and Wales and already aims to regulate the cost and branding of uniform items.
Experts and peers have raised concerns about the environmental and health risks of PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” because they degrade extremely slowly. Some PFAS have been linked to health problems including high cholesterol, fertility issues, immune system disorders, kidney disease, birth defects and certain cancers. Synthetic fibres, which made up 64% of global fibre production for apparel in 2021, shed microplastics that have been found in human blood, semen, lungs, breast milk and other tissues.
Green Party peer Baroness Natalie Bennett, who supports both amendments, highlighted the “cocktail effect” of cumulative exposure to microplastics, PFAS and pesticides. “We are poisoning this planet and poisoning our own bodies,” she said. Amendment 202A calls for an almost immediate ban on PFAS in uniforms and a digital product passport listing chemicals. Amendment 202B requires action within 12 months on uniforms that could endanger health or safety, with a focus on artificial fibres.
Dr David Santillo, senior scientist at Greenpeace Research Laboratories, noted that most parents are unaware their children’s uniforms may be treated with PFAS. Anecdotal evidence suggests most uniforms are made from synthetic materials, with natural fibre alternatives marketed as exceptions. Studies show that clothing can shed up to 400 microfibres per gram of fabric during just 20 minutes of normal wear.
