Halloween costumes are often viewed as disposable, but what dangers might be hiding within these once-a-year outfits? In an exclusive interview, we talked to experts who uncovered the serious chemicals lurking in these popular items.
Alden Wicker, a journalist dedicated to sustainability, highlights that many Halloween costumes are designed for single-use. By the following year, the cultural references are outdated, and the flimsy materials usually find their way to landfills. This approach represents what Wicker calls “ultimate ultra-fast fashion,” raising significant environmental concerns.
Mihir Vohra, science lead at the Center for Environmental Health, shared alarming findings about costume pieces from major retailers like Halloween Express and Spirit Halloween, which have been found to contain harmful substances such as lead, cadmium, and BPA. “These levels would have exceeded California thresholds that mandate a warning,” Vohra explained. He emphasized that these chemicals pose serious health risks, especially for children. Lead exposure is known to cause severe cognitive and nervous system problems, while cadmium is linked to gastrointestinal issues. BPA disrupts hormonal balance and may lead to various health concerns, such as infertility and developmental problems in children.
When looking for Halloween apparel, opting for ultra-cheap fashion brands like Shein or Temu could introduce further hazards. Products from these companies have been reported to contain harmful chemicals like lead and phthalates. Scott Echols, chief impact officer at ZDHC, expressed concern about whether these retailers even adhere to minimal federal regulations regarding chemical use in children’s products. “In theory, they’re supposed to meet certain requirements, but I wouldn’t bet on it,” he stated.
Halloween Express claims on its website to comply with safety regulations and to conduct product testing, although they did not respond to our request for additional information. Similarly, Spirit Halloween, with over 1,500 locations, promotes compliance but offers little transparency regarding their testing processes or supply chains. In an email, Spirit Halloween asserted that all children’s products comply with federal regulations and California’s Proposition 65, which requires warning labels for items containing specific toxic chemicals.
Echols also addressed the implications of warning labels, noting, “If you see a Proposition 65 notice, it either indicates a known hazard, or the company hasn’t bothered to assess the risks.” This raises important questions for parents considering costumes that might contain lead or other harmful substances.
For those who think unknown brands found on platforms like Amazon are safer, Vohra cautions that these products often lack regulatory oversight and proper checks, thereby exposing children to potential dangers. Additionally, small shipments from overseas do not face the same rigorous scrutiny as larger cargoes.
Research shows that phthalates, which are serious concerns, are frequently detected in children’s costumes. Miriam Diamond, a professor at the University of Toronto, noted that a recent investigation found high levels of phthalates in some costumes—substances associated with various health issues, including heart disease and developmental problems.
When it comes to safety, Vohra advises that if children wear plastic costumes, parents should ensure they wash their hands before diving into their Halloween treats.
On a more positive note, brands like H&M, Old Navy, and Target have established effective chemical management systems, including testing and transparency about their sourcing practices. Echols encourages cost-conscious consumers to consider secondhand options, pointing out that items washed multiple times can significantly reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.
As families reflect on Halloween traditions, Diamond shares her personal experience of making costumes at home with her children. “When you buy a fast fashion Halloween costume, you might expose your kids to toxic substances,” she warned. She hopes families will rediscover the creative joy of upcycling and DIY costumes this Halloween season.
