SGS : U.S. California Prop 65 60-Day Notices on Bisphenol-A (BPA) in Socks

According to California Proposition 65, the California-based Center for Environmental Health (CEH) sent 60-day notices to many companies in early September 2021 after testing showed BPA presence in socks at many times over the safe limit of the chemical. The socks of concern are made primarily of polyester with Spandex.

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The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) sent two 60-day notices naming over 70 companies on Sept. 1st and 10th respectively according to California Proposition 65.¹ Testing showed BPA presence many times over the safe limit of the chemical, which was found in baby, children's, and women's socks made primarily of polyester with Spandex.²

Bisphenol-A is a well-studied chemical, known to cause developmental and reproductive harm and linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, metabolic disorders, diabetes, and numerous other serious health concerns. It was added to the Proposition 65 list of chemicals in 2015. BPA is mostly used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is also used in the development of dyes that are used in thermal paper, and in the production of flame retardants and in PVC production and processing. BPA-based chemical compounds may be found in polycarbonate bottles, food and beverage cans, thermal paper, storage containers, plastic sunglasses, adhesives, coatings and trim.³

Traditionally, BPA is not a high-risk chemical in textile fibers. Previous BPA Prop 65 settlements are on sunglasses, thermal paper or other products. This is the first time the notices are issued for BPA in textiles.

CEH is an American non-profit organization working to protect children and families from harmful chemicals in air, food, water and in everyday products.

Reference

1. 60-Day Notice Search Results
2. New Testing Shows High Levels of BPA in Socks Made for Babies, Kids, and Adults
3. Chemical Information Document for Bisphenol-A (BPA)

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