INDIANAPOLIS – Parents may want to take a closer look at what their children are wearing, after a new study found that some fast-moving children’s clothing had levels above the US federal regulatory limit.
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Study finds unsafe levels of toxic lead in fast-fashion children’s clothing
Fast fashion may be the easiest and cheapest way to dress growing children all the time, but new research from Marian University has revealed that affordability can lead to hidden health risks.
“We think we have the law, and it takes care of us, but it seems that now there are shortages,” said Dr. Kamila Deavers, principal investigator of the project.
For Deavers, the issue is personal.
He explained: “My daughter was poisoned with lead when she was two years old. “And it was taken out through toys. [coating].”
That was before today’s strict federal lead limits were set and that’s what inspired his research.
“Everyone knows about land, water – the most common resources – but no one realizes that leadership exists in different resources,” explained Deavers. “And there’s been a lot of literature coming out about the clothing line, and I was curious how much there was?”
“We can all agree that this is something that shouldn’t happen, and it’s scary and concerning that it is,” said Cristina Avello, the project’s lead researcher.
Avello and his research partner, Priscila Espinoza, are both predoctoral fellows at Marian University. They entered Deaver’s laboratory after learning about the project.
Both told WRTV they saw it as an opportunity to combine impactful scientific research with public education about a neglected health issue.
“Children are the most vulnerable to the negative effects of lead and poison, and they are the residents who will chew clothes or put things in their mouths,” Avello explained.
“It’s not something I really thought about, especially something as common in the world as clothing,” Espinoza said.
In Marian’s research, they tested 11 shirts in different bright and muted colors, including red, yellow, pink, blue and gray, from different vendors.
The team found that all exceeded the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s limit of 100 parts per million (ppm) of lead for children’s products. Regardless of the type, bright colored fabrics, such as red and yellow, have a higher lead content than muted colors.
They also learned that if children chewed on the cloth, even for a short time, they could be exposed to dangerous levels of lead.
“The thing that’s most commonly thought about is the decline in IQ, especially up to the age of six, that’s when we see the biggest declines, neurological effects, behavioral problems, depression problems, and cardiovascular effects,” Deavers explained.
Now, the group hopes their work raises awareness about the issue and leads to change.
“I think it’s important for parents to be aware,” Espinoza said. “Just for the safety of their kids.”
“I hope we can have laws that protect children, that protect our vulnerable people,” Avello said.
“As a parent, you want to protect your children,” Deavers said.
The team plans to expand their sample in the future and investigate whether washing contaminated clothes can spread to other clothes or leave residues in the washing machine.
Deavers added that parents of young children who chew clothes should try to reduce the behavior as much as possible and be aware that regular washing may not remove lead.
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Casey Zanowic is an In Your Community reporter for the North Side Indy. He joined WRTV in July 2025. Casey has a passion for storytelling and is committed to producing impactful stories that make a difference in his community. Share your story ideas and important news with Casey by emailing her at casey.zanowic@wrtv.com.
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