Fewer "forever chemicals" in clothing
Clothing companies in the US have been using PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in many of their products, some dating back to the 1980s. While PFAS-based treatments make clothing and outdoor apparel resistant to water, stains, oil, and dirt, they’ve been linked to birth defects, cancer, kidney disease, and several other serious health conditions.
Thanks to state laws passed in New York and California, there’s promising news on this front. Several companies, including Levi’s, Lululemon, Patagonia, and Old Navy, have significantly reduced their use of the chemicals.
Some companies have argued that PFAS use is necessary and that requirements to find alternatives will jeopardize their business model. However, that rationale seems to have been disproven by those who’ve chosen to comply. Anne Reade, senior scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council, is encouraged by the brands who’ve stopped using the chemicals and adds, “no one has had to shut down business because they moved away from PFAS.”
Because PFAS are widely used in the supply chain, clothes that are completely free of them may be unlikely. But as more states pass laws and enforcement policies are implemented, consumers' exposure to the chemicals may be significantly reduced.
You can learn more in this article from The Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jun/15/pfas-clothing-textil...
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Slipstream
I'm happy to see California at the forefront of this movement. We know some states may not push back on the increasing use of PFAs, but the demands from California and New York could benefit citizens in states where leadership has not prioritized public health. Thanks for the good news.
Present Valley
Thank you for posting this exciting news.
Maybe something more will come of it in the near future.
Grateful California is on top of it and that some clothing companies
are being more responsible.
Wilsons Grave
I'm not gonna applaud anyone here. PFAS have been known to be highly toxic to humans since the 1970s. Why has it taken these companies so long to stop dressing people up in this deadly toxin? Do profits outweigh the risk of multiple deadly cancers?
In case you don't know, here are just some products with PFAS (from Wikipedia):
"They came into use with the invention of Teflon in 1938. They are used in products including waterproof fabric such as nylon, yoga pants, carpets, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, mobile phone screens, wall paint, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, firefighting foam, and the insulation of electrical wires. PFAS are used by the cosmetic industry in the majority of cosmetics and personal care products, including lipstick, eye liner, mascara, foundation, concealer, lip balm, blush, and nail polish."
Present Valley
This was eye opening and terrifying.
A longer list than I was aware of.
Thank you for posting this.