The Real Halloween Scare – Toxic Chemicals Lurking in Costumes

As Halloween approaches, many of us are gearing up for a fun-filled week of costumes, candy and spooky festivities. While the holiday is known for its playful frights, the real scare could be lurking in your costume. From face paints to synthetic fabrics, many Halloween costumes and accessories are loaded with toxic chemicals like lead and phthalates which pose serious health risks.

Warning Labels

The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) has found toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, and BPA in costumes from leading Halloween costume suppliers, Halloween Express and Spirit Halloween. CEH science lead Mihir Vohra said these substances have been found in costumes at levels high enough to require a warning under California law.

In the state of California, under proposition 65, businesses are required to clearly label any products that may expose individuals to the toxic chemicals listed here. On a federal level, the US government has banned only three chemicals – lead, cadmium and certain phthalates – from being in clothing, and they’re currently only banned in children’s clothing. Despite this ban, Halloween Express has children’s costumes listed for sale that contain a lead exposure warning, even though they claim to comply with current regulations.

Vineet Dubey of Custodio & Dubey says, “While Halloween is a time for fun, it’s crucial to be aware of the hidden dangers in costumes. Toxins like lead, phthalates, and BPA can pose serious health risks, especially to those young trick-or-treaters dressing up as their favorite princesses and superheroes. Prioritize safety this season and choose costumes and accessories from reputable brands that prioritize health and environmental standards. Remember, being informed is the best way to enjoy a safe and happy Halloween!”

Lead is especially harmful to children and can cause nervous system damage and intellectual disabilities. There is no “safe” level of lead exposure. Cadmium exposure can lead to acute gastroenteritis and permanent damage at high levels. BPA, an endocrine disruptor, affects hormone regulation, impacting vital systems like brain and heart functions. Studies link BPA exposure to behavioral issues in children and long-term health problems, including infertility, breast cancer, and reproductive disorders such as endometriosis and PCOS.

Checking warning labels is crucial for safety if purchasing from these big costume suppliers, but they clearly can’t be fully trusted with properly following safety guidelines. Proceed with caution.

DIY Is Not Always a Safer Solution

Halloween is a great time to show off your creativity and some party goers prefer to build their costumes piece by piece. However, those fast fashion brands that we frequently turn to for single use might not be safe either. Clothing items from brands such as Shein, Temu, and many sellers on Amazon have been found to contain toxic chemicals. It’s also worth noting that many of the products being shipped from these companies may not contain proper warning labels and are not thoroughly checked by Customs and Border Protection.

However, there are many affordable brands that are more transparent regarding what exactly is in their clothing. Target, H&M, and Old Navy for example all have great chemical management systems, test regularly, and have information on their websites regarding the materials used.

Purchasing costume pieces made by responsible brands from second hand stores such as Goodwill is another safe alternative, as many of these pieces have probably been washed multiple times, helping rid the garments of potentially toxic fabric treatments.

When it comes to makeup and face paint for Halloween, Scott Echols, chief impact officer at ZDHC, a fashion industry group focused on “detoxing” apparel, footwear and accessories, recommends sticking with products produced by actual cosmetic brands which have to follow stricter safety guidelines than designated costume makeup.

We hope you make smart and informed decisions when choosing your spooky look for this year. On behalf of all of us here at Custodio & Dubey, have a safe and happy Halloween!