Occurrence and health implications of heavy metals in preschool children’s clothing manufactured in four Asian regions

Clothing may be a potential contributor to body metal burden in children. However, available information on heavy metals in children’s clothing is extremely limited and the associated health risks remain poorly understood. This study investigated the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Co, Zn, Cr, As, Cu and Ni in new preschool children’s clothing manufactured in four Asian regions. The children’s clothing had higher levels of Ni and Cr but lower levels of Pb and Cd in comparison to the concentrations reported in other textile products. The concentrations of Cd were higher in the black clothing than those in the white and color samples. The non-cotton samples contained higher Co concentrations. The Pb concentrations in the samples manufactured in China were significantly higher than those in the other three regions. We estimated the dermal exposure doses for these metals and calculated the associated risks. The results indicated that the health risks from exposure to these metals in the children’s clothing were acceptable. However, more research is required to investigate heavy metals and the associated risks in child clothing due to the increasing complexity of their materials and manufacturing processes. [Display omitted] •Eight metals in children’s clothing from four Asian regions were measured.•The investigated metals were prevalent in the preschool children’s clothing.•Metal concentrations differed by material type, color, and manufacturing region.•The health risks from exposure to metals via clothing were acceptable.