Dickies · Scrubs & Work Uniforms
Dickies EDS Signature Unisex Drawstring Scrub Pant
Lower concern; no known PFAS use in standard scrub textiles.
Dickies EDS scrubs are uncoated woven textile with no disclosed water-repellent or stain-resistant finish. Standard polyester-cotton blends pose lower PFAS risk unless treated.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
polyester/cotton blend
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What Dickies EDS Signature Unisex Scrub Pant is made of, ingredients and materials
Dickies EDS Signature scrub pants are a polyester-cotton blend, a common choice in healthcare textiles for durability and ease of care. Polyester is a synthetic polymer that resists shrinkage and wrinkles; cotton provides breathability and comfort. The blend itself does not inherently leach chemicals during normal wear, though the polyester component was historically a potential vector for certain finishes (flame retardants, dyes) applied during manufacturing. Modern scrub textiles typically avoid legacy hazards, but the specific dye and finish chemistry of this product line is not publicly detailed by Dickies.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Azo dyes and synthetic colorants
Polyester textiles often use azo dyes, some of which can cleave under sweat and heat to release aromatic amines. Dickies does not disclose dye chemistry for EDS scrubs; risk is low during normal wear but not ruled out. Pre-wash and avoid high heat to minimize exposure.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester-cotton blends may be treated with formaldehyde-based wrinkle-release or water-resistance finishes during manufacturing. EDS scrubs are not advertised as wrinkle-proof or water-resistant, suggesting minimal such treatment, but this is not confirmed. Initial wash removes residual formaldehyde.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in polyester fiber
Antimony is used as a catalyst in polyester synthesis and may remain as a trace residue in the finished fiber. Levels in textiles are typically very low and not considered a primary health concern during wear, but the material contains it inherently. Washing does not significantly reduce antimony in fiber.
Microplastic shedding
Polyester garments shed microfibers during washing and wear. While not a direct chemical hazard, this is an environmental and potential inhalation concern over repeated use cycles. Choosing lower-shedding blends and using wash bags can reduce release; polyester content (typically 65 percent in EDS) makes shedding unavoidable.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Flame retardants
Medical scrub pants are not typically treated with flame retardants unless specifically marketed as such. Dickies EDS scrubs carry no such claim. No evidence of intentional flame retardant treatment in this product line.
Source, EPA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Dickies does not publish detailed chemical composition or third-party certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or GOTS) for its EDS scrub line based on available public information. The brand has not disclosed formal PFAS policies or restricted substance lists specific to this product category. No major safety recalls or chemical contamination incidents are on record for Dickies EDS scrub pants. The lack of transparency is typical for mainstream workwear brands but limits independent verification of manufacturing controls.
How it compares in its category
Polyester-cotton scrub blends are the industry standard and carry lower chemical concern than 100 percent polyester alternatives, which may retain more synthetic finishes. Premium healthcare brands (e.g., Barco, Cherokee) sometimes cite OEKO-TEX or similar certifications; Dickies EDS does not advertise such credentials, positioning it as a cost-effective mainstream option. The lack of certification is not a red flag for scrubs specifically, as this product class is not historically high-risk, but it does mean fewer third-party checkpoints on restricted substances.
If you buy it
Wash in warm water before first wear to reduce any loose dyes or finishes. Machine wash warm and tumble dry low or hang dry to preserve the blend and minimize heat exposure to the polyester. Replace when seams fray, elastic degradation occurs, or visible wear compromises fit or durability, typically after 50-100 washes depending on use. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can degrade the fiber blend and may interact with residual finishes.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Dickies has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More scrubs & work uniforms grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.