A recent study on chemicals in clothing exposes toxic PFAS in yoga pants.
On Jan. 20, 2022, the Environmental Health News Organization (EHN.org) and the popular Mamavation Blog presented their surprising findings on toxic chemicals in women’s athletic wear.
One in four pairs of popular leggings and yoga pants tested have detectable levels of fluorine, an indicator of toxic PFAS, according to the study.
PFAS, toxic forever chemicals, have been used in the manufacturing of products for industries like clothing and cookware for decades.
Recently, the extent of PFAS in activewear has been highlighted by the research of Leah Segedie on her Mamavation blog.
With the help of EHN.org, Mamavation tested the activewear and found fluorine levels ranging from 10 parts per million (ppm) to 284 ppm in eight pairs of leggings and pants out of 32.
EHN.org partially funded the testing and Pete Myers, chief scientist of Environmental Health Sciences, which publishes Environmental Health News, reviewed the results.
An EPA-certified lab tested the crotch area of the pants, and any clothes containing more than 10 parts per million (ppm) fluorine were flagged.
The eight pairs that had PFAS indicators were:
Athleta Girl Chit Chat Shorts
Gaiam High Rise Waist Yoga Pants Performance Compression Workout Leggings
Knix Hightouch High Rise Leggings
Lululemon Align Highrise Pant
LulaRoe Leggings
Old Navy Athletic Pants Vuori Elevation Performance Black Camo Athletic Leggings
Yogalicious “Lux” High Waist Side Pocket Capri
It is unclear what exposure to PFAS through clothing means for humans, however, previous lab research by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that PFAS skin exposure poses similar health risks as ingesting the chemicals via food or water.
The use of PFAS in production not only leaves the chemicals in certain items, but also releases it into the environment. PFAS are also found in large quantities in water sources.
The Cyclopure water test kit provides an affordable and accessible way to test tap water for PFAS.
Find more information and order a test kit on the Cyclopure website today!
