Contaminated Intimates: These Underwear Reveal an Unappealing Amount of Pollutants
Women's underwear, often prized for its allure and seductive designs, may pose a health risk due to the presence of harmful substances. An investigation by the Swiss partner magazine of Stiftung Warentest, K-Tipp, tested 16 women's panties and found that many contained health-critical bisphenols, particularly those made from synthetic fibers.
Bisphenols are chemical compounds often found in synthetic fibers, including Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S. Over extended periods, BPA can damage the immune system, impair fertility, and cause hormone-related cancers like breast cancer. Bisphenol S, a popular replacement for BPA, has similarly harmful effects.
Alarmingly, only two models passed the harmful substance test: the Exquise Tanga by Etam and the Hanro Luxury Moments Pant. All other panties, including those from H&M, Hunkemöller, Triumph, and Victoria's Secret, were contaminated, with some models being severely affected.
The models tested were mainly made of synthetic fibers like polyester, polyamide, and elastane. Since underwear fits closely to the skin, harmful substances can enter the body directly through the skin due to heat, friction, and sweat. Many large brands, available in Germany, failed the harmful substance test.
Among the panties rated "severely contaminated" were the Triumph Crazy Stupid Love, Calvin Klein Instinct Sensual Stretch Lace, Hunkemöller Private Collection Nadia Tanga, the Chantelle String, the Lace-up Lacie String from Victoria's Secret, and the Auroria Panties from Obsessive. The tanga with motif embroidery from H&M contained residues of questionable cleaning agents.
The silk and lace panty from Intimissimi and the silk string from Zara were classified as "contaminated." In a similar test in autumn 2024, the Austrian consumer magazine "Konsument 71" found that all seamless underwear, without seams, very elastic, and made exclusively from synthetic materials, contained harmful substances.
In conclusion, many women's panties tested contained harmful chemicals, including bisphenol A. Only two models were found to be uncontaminated. A Triumph model, despite being Oeko-Tex certified, was identified as the most contaminated in the test. Consumers are advised to be cautious about the undergarments they purchase and opt for those made from natural materials when possible.
- In light of the findings, it's vital for community policies to address the use of harmful chemicals such as bisphenols in the production of synthetic fibers, especially in the manufacturing of women's underwear.
- As a preventative measure, women might consider vocational training in textile industries to gain knowledge about health-and-wellness practices, women's health, lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and the potential dangers of certain chemicals in synthetic materials, enabling them to make informed decisions about the products they produce.
- To ensure a healthy and sustainable fashion-and-beauty industry, brands should invest in research and development of materials free from harmful substances like bisphenols, promoting overall wellness in their products and contributing positively to the health of their customers.
