Fashion isn’t the only risk when buying leggings or a raincoat.
It’s not yet clear how much risk there is, but toxic chemicals have been found in hundreds of consumer products and clothing purchased from racks across the country.
Thousands of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have existed since the first substances were invented in the 1940s to prevent stains and fouling. PFAS chemicals are used in nonstick cookware, water repellent clothing, and firefighting foam. Their manufacturing and clinging to products pollutes drinking water across the country. Also called “permanent chemicals”, these substances do not break down in the environment and accumulate in the body over time.
drinking water Widely considered to be the greatest source of potential exposure and harm.And in March, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed the first national standard About PFAS levels in drinking water. However, chemical substances are soil, fish, livestock, foodResearchers say they are present in the blood almost all Americans.
To date, federal regulations on PFAS in consumer products have largely focused on a handful of older generation perpetual chemicals such as PFOA and perfluorooctanoic acid. But new state-level legislation covers all perpetual chemicals.
Consumers interested in clothing are also suing the courts.torrent of recent class action lawsuit A brand falsely advertises its products as being environmentally sustainable or healthy, but claims they contain toxic levels of PFAS chemicals. Thinx, which makes reusable menstrual underwear, agreed to pay up to $5 million to settle the lawsuit. in another lawsuit, Against Rayprimarily targets its raincoat line, which is proceeding in court.
From production to wear, laundering and disposal, it argued, “PFAS in clothing and textiles can lead to harmful exposures.” Avinash KarSenior Lawyer National Resources Defense Councilan international non-profit environmental advocacy group.
The full health risks of wearing togs, which are claimed to be toxic, are still unknown, but the potential effects are far-reaching. Reports from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Links of PFAS exposure to cancer, thyroid dysfunction, small changes in birth weight, and high cholesterol have been noted, among other concerns.
So how concerned should consumers be about wearing chemical-laden clothing forever?
PFAS are found in a wide variety of clothing such as rain jackets, hiking pants, shirts and jackets. yoga pants and sports bra Popular brands such as lululemon and athleta.
Forever Chemicals are used as surface treatments to block water and dirt. actual, 2022 Report by Toxic-Free Futureenvironmental health research and advocacy groups, almost three quarters Products labeled as water or stain resistant that tested positive.
The group points to research showing that fabrics containing that type of PFAS, called side-chain fluorinated polymers, release volatile chemicals into the air and into the water when laundered. “What we can expect is that raincoats with this surface treatment, over time, he releases PFAS into the environment,” he said. Erica SchraderScience Director of Toxic-Free Future.
PFAS can also be used as a membrane. That is, a thin layer sandwiched between fabrics that blocks water from passing through.This technology is found in products made with goretexLayers of these breathable and waterproof fabrics are used in dozens of brands of outdoor clothing jackets, pants, boots and gloves. Garments may have both membranes and surface treatments.
A study published last year by American Chemical Society Textiles sold in the United States and Canada have been found to contain high levels of PFAS in materials used in children’s uniforms marketed as stain resistant.
“This was a concern for us because these uniforms are worn by children every day during the school year, up to eight to 10 hours a day,” he said. . Martha VenierAssistant Professor at Indiana University Bloomington and co-author of this study. “Children are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure because their organs are still developing.”
But fabrics that come into contact with the skin are just one way people are likely to be exposed to these chemicals. PFAS enter most homes through water, air, dust, and soap. PFAS can also be shed from carpets, furniture, and fabric treatments sprayed on furniture and clothing.
PFAS are found in various household products such as (from left) freshwater fish, orange juice, Carpet, drinking water, food wrapping paper (e.g. with microwaveable popcorn), non stick cookware, period underwearand rain gear(Oona Tempest/KHN)
Studies of skin or “dermis exposure” by wearing fabrics deserve special attention. Just because a product has her PFAS doesn’t mean the chemical will move from that jacket or shorts across the skin and into the bloodstream. stuart haradProfessor of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Birmingham.
So far, Harrad has found that PFAS can be found in skin oils and perspiration from fabric or dust particles. However, more research needs to be done to see if these chemicals transfer to the blood. said.
But in general, they say PFAS chemicals are more difficult to get into the body through dermal exposure than through the digestive system. Dr. Ned KalongAssociate Dean of Public Health Practice at the Colorado School of Public Health and co-author of the National Academies report.
Levi Strauss I stopped using drugs. Other brandsBrands like Patagonia, LL Bean, Lululemon, and Eddie Bauer have committed to phasing them out over the next few years. Late February, REI Release updated standard Most cookware and textiles must be PFAS-free by fall 2024. said in a statement Last year, it said it had “worked for years to phase out PFAS” and was “testing new alternatives.”
WL Gore & Associates, inventor of Gore-Tex and leading manufacturer of weather resistant fabrics, i said i was planning “We will transition the majority of our consumer portfolio by the end of 2025,” the company said last year. debuted the membrane It is found on jackets sold by Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and other brands that use non-fluorine materials.
Still, without oversight, company commitments are not guaranteed and contamination is always a concern, PFAS experts say. For example, Gore I said many years ago The company has eliminated PFOA from its materials. However, in last year’s test, Toxic-Free Future found it REI Gore-Tex rain jacket. Gore spokeswoman Amy Calhoun disputed these findings and believes the company is a leader in “responsible chemical management.”
Those in the chemical field see this as an inflection point, where companies are phasing out chemicals forever and wanting transparency about which alternatives have been chosen and how safe they are. I am watching carefully.
EPA is embarking on regulation Older generation chemicals commonly found in imported products.those too Banned in the European Union It is often phased out by major U.S. manufacturers and replaced with newer generations of PFAS that are cleared more quickly and are less likely to accumulate in organs. “When discussing the broad group of chemicals known as PFASs, it’s important to note that not all his PFASs are the same,” Calhoun said.some gore Product uses PTFE, the company says the polymer is of “low concern.” However, a growing body of research shows that these newer PFASs often have similar levels of toxicity.
Stricter state-level bans on apparel are being rolled out. main is now required Companies must report PFAS in their products to state authorities. Chemicals will be completely banned by early 2030, State of Washington Limit PFAS in apparel and other consumer products by 2025.
The most important laws have been passed in two states with large consumer markets that manufacturers are reluctant to avoid, effectively setting national standards.a new york law Signed in late December, it will ban the sale of clothing containing PFAS by the end of 2023. california law Passed last year, the bill restricts companies from manufacturing, distributing, or selling apparel containing PFAS from 2025, but these rules will keep extreme weather and personal protective apparel banned until 2028. Not applicable.
So where are consumers going?Kalonju said those who already have high levels of her PFAS in their serum should raise awareness about the clothing they wear.Community level Blood test It’s ongoing in areas with known PFAS exposure, but individuals can also seek it out by consulting their doctor.
“That’s when I make the decision not to wear clothes that I know contain PFAS,” he said.
With no hard evidence linking skin exposure from clothing to elevated PFAS levels in serum, Calonge says the decision so far rests largely on risk tolerance.
He personally sticks to using dental floss brands. Permanently Containing Chemicals.
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