What to know about ‘forever chemicals’ in workout wear

Read the full article by Kathleen Felton (Washington Post).

“The U.S. activewear market generated $137.4 million in revenue last year, and it can seem like everyone in the country now wears workout clothes for both exercise and everyday activities, such as housework or running errands. So recent news that leading activewear brand Lululemon is being investigated by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over the potential presence of ‘forever chemicals’ may concern anyone who puts on leggings multiple times a week.

The probe will examine whether Lululemon clothing contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, synthetic chemicals used in many consumer goods that can take decades to break down in the environment. Studies have linked these compounds, which make clothing water- and stain-resistant, to a long list of potential health problems, including fertility challenges, developmental delays in children and an elevated risk of certain cancers. (In a statement emailed to The Washington Post, a spokesperson for Lululemon said the retailer has phased out PFAS and no longer uses these substances on clothing.)

Here’s what consumers should know about PFAS, how these chemicals might harm human health when used on apparel and how to reduce your exposure without giving up activewear entirely.”…