Form of danger: how school clothes can endanger children's health

The school trousers of two brands were found to exceed the permissible content of phenols, toxic substances that can cause skin irritation and other adverse body reactions. In addition, 15 brands were found to have inaccurate information about the composition of products, and 14 samples had violations of breathability and hygroscopicity. Such deficiencies can pose a risk to the health of children who spend up to eight to nine hours a day in school uniforms. Why manufacturers replace natural materials with synthetic ones, what is the danger of low—quality clothing and how parents can check the safety of purchases - in the Izvestia material.

What was found in the school trousers

Excess of the permissible phenol content was found in school trousers of the brands Crazy Beaver and Roberto Balzini. This is evidenced by the results of a Roskachestvo study, in which experts tested the products of 21 brands purchased in retail stores and marketplaces.

One of the most common violations was the discrepancy between the actual composition of the tissues and the information provided by the manufacturers. Such discrepancies were found in 15 brands, including Modern Kids, Elena and K, Polichinelle, CoolievaKids, Modernfeci, Elite Choose, Roberto Balzini, Crazy Beaver, Neschool, Optri, Truvor, Silhouette, Meta Kids, Diphee and Tsarina.

In some cases, the declared wool, cotton and viscose were replaced by cheaper polyester. The situation with Diphee trousers turned out to be particularly revealing. Wool was listed on the product card on one of the marketplaces, and 55% cotton, 35% polyester, and 10% elastane were listed on the lice label. However, laboratory analysis revealed that the product was actually made of 78.9% polyester and 21.1% viscose.

Experts identified violations of breathability or hygroscopicity in 14 samples. Diphee, Neschool, Kapika and Modern Kids recorded the worst air permeability rates for the upper material. Critically low hygroscopicity was found in Modern Kids, Modernfeci, Roberto Balzini, Elite Choose and Meta Kids.

Another 13 samples had problems with the accompanying documentation, information about certificates and mandatory labeling.

Most of the tested products were made in Russia — 14 samples. Six more were made in China and one in Kyrgyzstan. Trousers of only two brands, Kavalier new and Three Seasons, were recognized as meeting the mandatory requirements and the advanced standard of Roskachestvo.

The problem is not an isolated one. In 2025, Roskachestvo has already investigated 49 models of school trousers, with nine brands tested two years in a row. Despite some positive changes, it is premature to talk about a significant improvement in the quality of school clothes.

As a result of the new audit, the organization sent inquiries to manufacturers and sellers. Some of the goods were withdrawn from sale, and some cards were blocked on marketplaces. Rospotrebnadzor also issued warnings to manufacturers and sellers.

What is the danger of poor-quality school uniforms for children's health?

The main risk of detecting toxic substances in school clothes is associated with prolonged contact of the material with the skin. Unlike things that a child wears for a short time, school uniforms are used almost daily throughout the school year.

Phenol belongs to toxic substances, Alla Kurdenkova, associate professor of the Department of Materials Science and Commodity Expertise at the Kosygin Russian State University, noted in a conversation with Izvestia. The degree of risk depends on its concentration in the tissue, the duration of exposure, the area of skin contact and the individual sensitivity of the body.

"According to toxicological data, it is capable of causing local irritant effects on the skin and mucous membranes, and with systematic exposure can lead to a decrease in blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias," the expert explained.

However, the very detection of an increased concentration of a substance does not mean that the child will necessarily experience the listed violations. To assess the effects, it is necessary to take into account the actual level of exposure and the ability of the compound to penetrate the skin barrier.

The physiological features of the child's body are also important. Children have more intense metabolic processes, and the skin may be more sensitive to certain chemical compounds. In addition, students usually spend five to six hours a day in uniform, and up to eight to nine hours when attending an extended day.

Prolonged exposure to potentially dangerous substances, according to Alla Kurdenkova, can contribute to the development of skin reactions, including dermatitis. Under certain conditions, repeated contact can also increase the body's sensitivity to certain chemical compounds.

The hygienic characteristics of the fabric are equally important. First of all, we are talking about air permeability (the ability of the material to pass air) and hygroscopicity (the ability to absorb water vapor). These indicators are regulated by the technical regulations of the Customs Union TR CU 007/2011 "On the safety of products intended for children and adolescents".

Insufficient breathability makes it difficult to ventilate the space between clothing and the body, and low hygroscopicity contributes to the accumulation of moisture on the skin. As a result, the child may experience discomfort even with normal physical activity.

— Together, these factors disrupt thermoregulation. The child sweats, but the moisture is not removed and does not evaporate. As a result, it can overheat, and then, on the contrary, quickly overcool when going outside or into a cool room," the expert explained.

Such conditions can cause skin irritation and worsen the student's well-being. At the same time, temperature fluctuations themselves are not the direct cause of colds, which are infectious in nature.

Why manufacturers replace natural fabrics with synthetic ones

The discrepancy between the actual composition of school clothes and the declared one may be due to insufficient production control and the desire to reduce the cost of manufacturing products.

Synthetic fibers, in particular polyester and acrylic, often cost manufacturers less than natural raw materials, Alla Kurdenkova noted. In addition, their use can simplify individual technological processes and make it possible to achieve the necessary external characteristics of the fabric.

— The practice of replacing natural fibers with cheaper synthetic ones is widespread, since synthetics are much cheaper than cotton, linen or wool. This allows you to reduce the cost of production, — said the specialist.

However, the mere presence of polyester in clothing does not indicate its poor quality. Synthetic fibers can increase the wear resistance of products, reduce crease, and help keep their shape after washing. Problems arise when the material does not provide the necessary hygienic characteristics or its actual composition differs from the information on the label.

For everyday wear, the expert recommends paying attention primarily to the functional properties of the fabric. The ability to pass air, absorb moisture, and withstand regular use is important.

"The ideal option is blended fabrics, where natural fibers provide comfort and hygiene, and a small percentage of synthetics provide shape stability and durability," the editorial interlocutor emphasized.

The specialist identified cotton, linen, wool and viscose as suitable materials. The latter refers to artificial fibers obtained from recycled natural raw materials, and differs in properties from synthetic polyester.

According to the expert, for second—layer clothing intended for children from 7 to 14 years old, hygroscopicity should be at least 9%, and for teenagers from 14 to 18 years old - at least 6%. Breathability must comply with the regulatory indicators established for the relevant product category.

The press service of the Melon Fashion Group, which includes the SELA brand, told Izvestia that the safety of school clothes is regulated by the technical regulations of the Customs Union and national standards. At the same time, the company drew attention to the differences between specialized school uniforms and individual clothing collections, which manufacturers may not position as school uniforms.

—All items, including suits, underwear, physical education clothes, and shoes, are undergoing laboratory testing and certification for breathability, thermoregulation, and other safety requirements," the company said.

They also talked about the use of their own technological seladrytex fabric, designed to protect against adverse weather conditions.

Who is responsible for the safety of school clothes and how to check them

The appearance of school uniforms with violations in free sale raises the question of the effectiveness of control of children's products, especially given the development of online commerce.

The main document establishing mandatory safety requirements remains the technical regulation TR CU 007/2011. It outlines standards for chemical, biological, and other product characteristics for children and adolescents.

At the same time, it is necessary to distinguish between the mandatory provisions of the technical regulations and the requirements of national standards, including GOST for school uniforms. The latter may provide additional product characteristics, but their binding nature depends on the legal status of specific requirements.

According to Alla Kurdenkova, one of the reasons for the appearance of low-quality clothing on the market is the scale of production. It is physically impossible to verify each batch, so the system relies heavily on conformity assessment procedures and subsequent random control.

Some difficulties arise when selling goods through marketplaces, where numerous manufacturers and intermediaries are represented. In such circumstances, the reliability of documents and information placed on product cards is of particular importance.

To increase the effectiveness of control, the expert suggests strengthening the verification of certificates and declarations, regularly monitoring trading platforms and developing mechanisms for product traceability. Experts recommend that customers start checking school uniforms by examining the markings. Labels should contain information about the manufacturer, the composition of the material and the rules of care for the product.

"When choosing clothes for children, we recommend paying attention to the product's hinged and lousy labels, which indicate the composition of the product and its manufacturer, so that the buyer can track the entire supply chain," the Melon Fashion Group press service said.

Alla Kurdenkova also recommended evaluating the features of the material itself. The fabric should not be excessively stiff, prickly, or irritating when in contact with the skin. A sharp chemical odor can also alert the buyer, although its absence does not guarantee the safety of the product.

In addition, when purchasing, you should check the availability of valid documents confirming product compliance with mandatory requirements. Their status can be clarified through the official registers of Rosaccreditation.

If discrepancies are found between the information in the product card on the marketplaces and on the lice label, the buyer has the right to request reliable information about the products from the seller and, if there are grounds, issue a refund.

At the same time, it is almost impossible to independently determine the chemical safety of the fabric. Even a product with a high content of natural fibers may not meet the established requirements if unsuitable chemical compounds were used in its production.