Imagine slipping into your favorite sports bra or cozy socks, only to realize they’re laced with a chemical that could harm your health. This isn’t a dystopian scenario; it’s a reality. Recent investigations have uncovered a hidden danger lurking in our wardrobes: high levels of Bisphenol A (BPA), a notorious chemical, in everyday clothing. PFAS, known as the “forever chemicals” have also been found in bedding and clothing.
If you have read my blog, you know how I feel about fast fashion and it’s harmful impact on garment workers, our planet, and our future. But do you know that those mass produced cheap clothes fast fashion companies make may actually be harmful to your health?
Many potentially dangerous chemicals have been found in clothes from ultra fast fashion brands such as SHEIN, Zaful and AliExpress, according to a Marketplace investigation. But it’s not just those companies. PFAS, dubbed “forever chemicals” because they will last thousands of years, have been found in Old Navy and Lululemon women’s sportswear. This according to a separate investigation by Environmental Health News and wellness blog Mamavation.
This is the full list. 8 brands that had PFAS indicators according to their investigation:
- Athleta Girl Chit Chat Shorts
- Gaiam High Rise Waist Yoga Pants Performance Compression Workout Leggings
- Knix Hightouch High Rise Leggings
- Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
- LuLaRoe Leggings
- Old Navy Athletic Pants
- Vuori Elevation Performance Black Camo Athletic Leggings
- Yogalicious “Lux” High Waist Side Pocket Capri
Then Toxic Free Future tested 60 different types of bedding, outdoor apparel, tablecloths and napkins and found more than half of them to have a very strong indication of PFAS.
BPA & PFAS: The Invisible Enemies in Your Closet
BPA, a chemical villain primarily found in plastics, has stealthily infiltrated the textile industry. Used to enhance polyester fabrics, this hormone-disrupting agent is now a silent companion in our socks, sports bras, and athletic wear. The risk? BPA doesn’t just sit on the fabric; it can seep into your skin, potentially wreaking havoc on your health.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to many different health conditions according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
- Small decreases in infant birth weights
- Increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer
- Decreased vaccine response in children
Shocking Revelations
The Center for Environmental Health’s (CEH) recent study is a wake-up call. They found BPA levels in some socks exceeding California’s legal limit by a staggering 31 times. Sports bras and athletic shirts weren’t far behind, with BPA concentrations up to 22 times over the safe threshold. These aren’t just numbers; they’re a direct threat to our well-being.
BPA’s Sinister Effects
BPA’s resume of health hazards is extensive. It’s an insidious disruptor of normal development and a contributor to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. More alarmingly, it mimics estrogen, potentially fueling breast and prostate cancers.
There’s also evidence suggesting that BPA exposure can influence children’s behavior and trigger a delay in puberty. Beyond these developmental concerns, BPA exposure has been linked to an array of health issues in adults, including increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, infertility and cardiovascular diseases
How to Dodge the BPA Bullet
- Steer clear of polyester blends, especially those with spandex in socks and activewear.
- Embrace natural fibers like cotton, wool, silk or even clothing made from hemp or bamboo.
- Shed your workout gear immediately after exercise to minimize skin contact.
The Fight for Safer Fashion
The CEH isn’t just sounding the alarm; they’re on the frontline, challenging over 100 brands to eliminate BPA from their products. They’re pushing for reformulations and consumer warnings, but they need our voice too. It’s time to demand fashion that doesn’t compromise our health.
CEH is Suing Clothing Manufacturers
In a significant legal move, CEH is taking action against seven prominent sports bra brands and five athletic shirt brands. This lawsuit follows alarming test results indicating that these clothing items could expose individuals to BPA levels up to 22 times higher than California’s safety limit. The implicated sports bra brands include well-known names like Athleta, PINK, Asics, The North Face, All in Motion, Nike, and FILA, while the athletic shirt brands include The North Face, Mizuno, Athleta, New Balance, and Reebok.
The legal notices, initially sent in October 2022, leverage the power of right-to-know laws, particularly California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act (Proposition 65). This act empowers CEH to demand the removal of harmful chemicals from consumer products.
Kaya Sugerman, Director of the Illegal Toxic Threats program at CEH, emphasizes the importance of this issue: “People should not be exposed to toxic chemicals in their clothing. Nor should they bear the burden of knowing which brands could harm your health and which will not. Corporations should make their products safe for everyone’s health and the environment.” In support of this cause, CEH is rallying public support through a petition urging fashion CEOs to eliminate toxic BPA from activewear, highlighting the growing concern over chemical safety in everyday clothing.
The revelation of BPA & PFAS in clothing is more than a fashion faux pas; it’s a health crisis hiding in plain sight. As consumers, we have the power to demand change. By choosing safer, sustainable options and holding brands accountable, we can transform our closets from chemical havens to safe sanctuaries.
LABELS TO LOOK FOR TO HELP PREVENT EXPOSURE TO TOXIC CHEMCIALS
Also it’s not just fast fashion companies – it’s many textile companies. Look for these labels to help you decide what to purchase.
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