A guide to toxic-free back-to-school products

Take a look at Breast Cancer UK’s guide to toxic-free back-to-school products just in time for the new school year!  

The summer is finally upon us, and with it comes the sunshine, cold drinks, picnics in the park and making time for long overdue catchups with friends.

But as any parent or guardian will know, it won’t be long until schools reopen. This means dealing with our little ones’ inevitable growth spurts and a need for new stationery, uniforms and lunch boxes.

But did you know, some of these necessary purchases may increase your child’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals? Many harmful chemicals are often used to manufacture everyday items. These include the forever chemicals PFAS, bisphenols (such as BPA) and phthalates.

Many of these chemicals can mimic and increase the levels of hormones in the body, such as oestrogen, and are known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Having high levels of oestrogen is known to increase breast cancer risk.

Choosing alternatives free from chemicals is the best way of reducing your exposure.

Chemical exposure in children vs adults

But first, a bit of background as to why this is important. Children are thought to be more susceptible to harmful chemical exposures than adults partially because their bodies are still developing. This makes childhood a particularly sensitive and vulnerable time.

Children often have higher levels of chemicals present in their bodies than adults. This is due to various factors, including their exploratory behaviours (e.g., hand-to-mouth curiosity) and more frequent food and drink consumption.

Why is this important?

Childhood exposure to various environmental chemicals has been linked to several adverse health effects. These include asthma, behavioural disorders, obesity and issues with reproductive health.

Some animal studies have also suggested that early-life (such as in the womb) chemical exposure could be associated with adverse health effects later in life, including potentially increasing the risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm this.

Concern is also growing amongst some of those who work in Government. As recently as July 2025, two amendments have been proposed to the Children’s Wellbeing and School’s Bill. These focus on the environmental and health risks posed by chemicals in school uniforms, including a ban on the use of the forever chemicals PFAS in uniforms.

Our top tips

Below is some more information on where these chemicals are found alongside some helpful tips you can apply to your back-to-school shopping list to help reduce your child’s exposure to environmental chemicals:

Switch up the school uniform

An average school day can consist of a lot of rough and tumble. But believe it or not, stain-resistant clothing is not the answer. PFAS is often a key addition to clothing that makes them stain resistant.

Tip: Opt for clothing labelled as ’PFAS-’ or ‘fluorine-free’ or made with alternative water- and stain-resistant treatments where possible to minimise potential risks.

Watch out for waterproof jackets

The return to school almost always overlaps with the return of bad weather. But whilst a waterproof jacket will protect your little one from a drenching, it could also open the door for harmful chemical exposure. Clothing labelled ‘water resistant’ (e.g., outdoor jackets) often contains chemical coatings, such as PFAS to help keep the rain out.

Tip: Try and opt for something made from natural fibres such as wax-coated jackets (usually made from cotton or canvas), oilskin jackets (made from tightly woven cotton wool), or wool jackets, which are naturally water-resistant and can keep you warm and dry in light rain or mist.

Be careful where you store their food

We all know how important it is to send our kids to school with a nutritious lunch. However, being mindful of what we’re packing it in is also just as important. That’s because may plastic or fabric lunchboxes can contain chemicals such as bisphenols, phthalates and PFAS.

Tip: Try switching from a plastic lunch box to a stainless steel one; they’re more durable and are unlikely to contain potentially harmful chemicals, such as PVC, BPA and PFAS.

Soak up the late summer sun without taking in the chemicals

Sun creams are essential in avoiding sunburn. But many on the market may contain chemical UV filters which are chemicals that have potential links to breast cancer.

Tip: Rather than ditching them altogether, we recommend using a sun cream that contains a mineral UV filter in a non-nano form (nano-form materials are small enough to be absorbed by the skin and may harm aquatic life). Check for Zinc Oxide on the ingredient list. You can find out more here in our blog.

Hydrate differently

Single use or even reusable plastic bottles are likely to contain chemicals such as bisphenols and phthalates. They can also release microplastics which can contain mixtures of these potentially harmful chemicals that may increase breast cancer risk.

Tip: Opt for a reusable water bottle made of stainless steel which are a safer alternative and are much more environmentally friendly.

To start your and your family’s breast cancer prevention journey, take a look at our Reduce Your Risk webpages and Prevention Quiz. They are full of information and resources to help you on your way!