As a mom of 3, I’m always on the hunt for good deals. Kids grow out of clothes so fast, and when I see a cute jacket for under $10 or a trendy dress for just a few bucks online, it feels like a win. But after reading the latest CBC Marketplace investigation, I can’t stop thinking: what’s the real cost of those “cheap” finds?
It turns out, the price might be our kids’ health.
Marketplace tested 38 pieces of children’s, adult, and maternity clothing and accessories from popular fast-fashion retailers like Shein, AliExpress, and Zaful. The results made my stomach drop: 1 in 5 items contained elevated levels of toxic chemicals like lead, phthalates, and PFAS — the kind of things that should never come near our little ones.
One toddler jacket from Shein contained 20 times more lead than Health Canada considers safe for children. A red purse from the same retailer had five times the allowable limit.
“People should be shocked,” said Miriam Diamond, an environmental chemist and professor at the University of Toronto, who oversaw the testing (CBC Marketplace). And honestly? I am shocked.
Diamond also warned: “I’m alarmed because we’re buying what looks cute and fashionable on this incredibly short fashion cycle. What we’re doing today is to look for very short-lived enjoyment out of some articles of clothing that cost so much in terms of our future health and environmental health. That cost is not worth it.”
And she’s right.
Why This Matters for Our Kids
Lead isn’t just another chemical — it can cause lasting harm to the brain, heart, kidneys, and reproductive system. Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. Experts even called some of these garments “hazardous waste” (Diamond via CBC Marketplace).
But lead isn’t the only concern.
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Phthalates, often used to soften plastics, are hormone disruptors. Some products tested had enough phthalates to raise serious concerns.
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PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” don’t break down in the body or environment. They’re linked to immune issues, developmental delays, and even cancer.
It’s not just about our kids wearing these clothes — it’s about them touching them, sucking on sleeves or collars, or even absorbing chemicals through their skin. As moms, we know how often fabric ends up in little mouths.
What Scares Me the Most
What really hit me was when Diamond pointed out: “If the final product isn’t safe for me, it’s definitely not safe for the workers that are handling these chemicals to make it.”
It’s not just our kids who are at risk — it’s the people making the clothes, and the planet itself. PFAS and microfibers wash into our water supply every time we do laundry.
So, What Can We Do?
I’ll be honest — this left me feeling unsettled. But there are some steps we can take as parents:
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Choose brands committed to safety. Look for certifications like Oeko-Tex or Bluesign, which test for harmful substances.
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Invest in fewer, better pieces. Sometimes one well-made, safe item is worth ten questionable ones.
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Wash new clothes before wearing. While not a perfect solution, it can reduce chemical residue.
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Ask questions. If a deal seems too good to be true, it might be hiding something.
Marketplace reported that after being notified, Shein, Zaful, and AliExpress removed the questionable products from their sites and said they’d review their suppliers. But for me, that’s not enough reassurance.
My Take as a Mom
I get it — budgets are tight, and kids’ clothes feel like a never-ending expense. But when I think about my child’s health, no price tag feels worth the risk of lead or toxic chemicals.
As Diamond said, “That cost is not worth it.”
And I agree.
So next time that $6 raincoat or $5 tutu pops up in my feed, I’ll be asking myself: what’s the hidden cost? Because protecting our kids is priceless.