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Residues of toxic chemicals have been found in children’s clothes and shoes made by major brands including Disney, Burberry, American Apparel, GAP and Primark.

The products involved include items sold in the UK, according to research by Greenpeace.

There is no evidence that the levels of chemicals found would cause harm to children wearing them, however Greenpeace argues they should be removed on a precautionary basis.

It is particularly concerned for the health of workers involved in making the products in countries stretching from China to Italy, Tunisia and the U.S.

Eighty-two items of children’s clothing from 25 countries around the world were sent to research laboratories at the University of Exeter, who co-ordinated the testing.

Residues were found in all but six, according to a research report titled ‘A little story about the monsters in your closet’, which was published today.

Three out of four items bought in the UK contained chemical residues, including a hooded sweatshirt from American Apparel, a shirt from Burberry and sweatpants from Primark.

Also a Chelsea children’s football sale in Colombia was found to contain traces of a suspect chemical.