health
How worried should I be about Pfas in my leggings?
Lululemon recently came under fire for possible ‘forever chemicals’ in its products. We asked experts about the health effects of Pfas in activewear
TL;DR
- PFAS are human-made chemicals associated with negative health effects and are difficult to break down, accumulating in the environment and bodies.
- The activewear brand Lululemon is under investigation for potentially containing PFAS in its apparel.
- PFAS can permeate the skin, particularly in areas with thinner skin like the crotch, and washing PFAS-containing clothing can release them into wastewater.
- PFAS exposure is linked to adverse health conditions including immune development issues, impaired liver function, and certain cancers.
- Wearing leggings with PFAS is considered a small percentage of overall PFAS exposure, with diet and drinking water being more significant sources.
- To avoid PFAS exposure, experts recommend using drinking water filters, choosing Pfas-free alternatives, and increasing fiber intake.
- PFAS are used in activewear to make them stain or water-resistant, and can also be present unintentionally due to manufacturing processes.
- Look for certifications like OEKO-TEX and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) to identify Pfas-free activewear.