Spooky, Harmful Toxins May Be In Your Halloween Costume — Here’s What You Should Know

As Halloween approaches, health experts caution against costumes containing spooky and hazardous materials that could jeopardize our well-being. The Center for Environmental Health has allegedly found harmful toxins such as cadmium, Bisphenol A (BPA), and lead in costume pieces from well-known retailers like Halloween Express, Spirit Halloween, Burlington Coat Factory Direct Corporation, and Dollar General Corporation.

BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a chemical commonly used in the production of certain plastics and resins, often found in products like water bottles, food containers, and the linings of canned goods. Concerns arise because BPA can leach into food and beverages, potentially leading to exposure. Research suggests that BPA may disrupt endocrine function by mimicking hormones like estrogen, which could contribute to various health issues including reproductive problems and developmental delays in children, according to Medical News Today. It has also been linked to infertility, breast cancer, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

In light of these potential risks, many manufacturers have begun producing BPA-free products, and several countries have implemented regulations to limit its use, particularly in items designed for infants and young children.

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Lead poses significant dangers as a toxic heavy metal that can lead to serious health issues. In children, exposure can result in cognitive impairments, behavioral problems, and developmental delays. For adults, it may cause memory loss, decreased attention span, and various neurological disorders. Cadmium, a white metal found in zinc ores, is also concerning; even small amounts can lead to developmental problems in children and long-term health issues in adults such as hypertension, gastrointestinal complications, and kidney damage.

In a statement to t he Guardian , Mihir Vohra, science lead at the Center for Environmental Health, noted that Halloween Express and Spirit Halloween were among the primary offenders, citing high levels of lead, cadmium, and BPA that “would have exceeded the amount deemed by California to require a warning.”

How can we protect ourselves from toxin exposure this Halloween?

To protect yourself from toxic chemical exposure, experts recommend avoiding inexpensive costumes from brands like Halloween Express and Spirit Halloween and ultra-cheap fashion retailers such as Shein, Temu, and others selling through Amazon. Health experts say these online fashion brands may not meet the minimal standards when sourcing toxic-free materials for their clothing items.

At the federal level, the U.S. government has banned only three chemicals—lead, cadmium, and certain phthalates—from clothing, and this regulation applies only to children’s products. Check the labels on your clothing for toxins and stay informed.

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