PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of chemicals that are well known for remaining stable under heat, oil, water, and stains. Since the 1940s, they have been manufactured and used in numerous products, including frying pans and fire extinguishing substances. These chemicals are difficult to break down, so they are frequently referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Concerns have been raised about a new source of PFAS exposure: activewear. PFAS may be found in the treatments used to make garments moisture-wicking, water-repellent, and stain-resistant. Now that fitness culture and technical clothing are popular, there is a greater chance that people will unintentionally be exposed to these lasting chemicals.

This article explains how the forever chemicals may be found in workout clothes, how they enter the manufacturing process, what health and environmental dangers they can cause, and what consumers can do to select better clothing.

PFAS in Textiles: The Chemical Function Behind the Fabric

PFAS are often added to activewear to improve how products repel water, resist stains, and manage moisture. Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings that depend on fluorinated substances are frequently used to achieve these qualities in fabrics.

PFAS are also used in leggings, sports bras, and tops that can keep you dry or protect against stains. In many instances, these chemicals are used either on the surface or mixed into the fibers.

Long-chain PFAS, such as PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate), stay in the body longer and are more toxic. Short-chain PFAS break down faster in people but still persist in the environment and may pose similar risks. 

PFAS are not permanently attached to fabrics, they can release into the environment and get into people’s bodies as the fabric is washed. Although they help improve the performance of textiles, their long-lasting effects on the environment and people’s bodies are causing more and more concerns.

Scientific Evidence: Studies Linking PFAS to Activewear

Research has proven that PFAS are found in activewear from leading clothing brands. Scientific studies have found that leggings, sports bras, rain jackets, and yoga pants contain fluorinated compounds that can be measured.

A study by Mamavation and EHN.org found detectable levels of fluorine (an indicator of PFAS) in 8 out of 32 pairs of leggings and pants tested from renowned brands. Concentrations ranged from 10 to 284 parts per million. 

These findings are consistent with research published in peer-reviewed journals, where PFAS residues have been identified in treated textiles using total fluorine testing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods. While concentrations vary, even low levels raise concerns due to the cumulative and persistent nature of these compounds.

A growing number of studies show that PFAS are not accidental contaminants, but are added deliberately to many high-performance clothes. As a result, it is important for textile chemistry to be clear and for people to know the lasting effects of chemical treatments on clothing.

Health Risks of Long-Term PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS for a long period has been connected to several health problems, and this is supported by research from both epidemiology and toxicology. Over time, these chemicals may concentrate in the body and even small, continued exposure is thought to be dangerous for health. Moreover, mixtures of PFAS compounds are even more harmful than individual chemicals.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have found that exposure to PFAS may result in:

• Disturbances in the thyroid hormone system, a main example of endocrine disruption.
• A weaker immune reaction, resulting in less effective vaccines.
• Higher risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
• Having high cholesterol and changes in liver enzymes.
• Reproductive and developmental effects, such as low birth weight and fertility issues.
  

While most cases of PFAS are due to exposure to polluted water and food, clothing treated with PFAS can increase our body’s total exposure through contact with the skin, inhaling airborne fibers, or swallowing dust from the fabric.  

Those who regularly wear chemically treated activewear during activities make their skin more permeable, which might gradually increase their risk. If you are concerned about internal exposure, read this article to learn how to detox PFAS from your body effectively.

Environmental Impact: PFAS and the Lifecycle of Activewear

Activewear that has been treated with PFAS causes environmental pollution at every stage. Since these chemicals are not easily broken down, which means they stay in the environment for a long time, their release into nature is both common and continuous.

Key Environmental Impacts Are:

• Industrial PFAS are discharged into the environment during textile production and end up polluting the soil and nearby water.
• Treated clothes lose PFAS and microfibers into the water during washing, and these can get past treatment and enter rivers and oceans.
• In ecosystems, PFAS attach to the ground, collect in fish and other species, and end up in food for humans and animals.
• PFAS have also been found in remote places, for example, in Arctic ice and deep-sea waters, which points to their ability to spread far.
• The release of PFAS into the environment occurs when they leach from landfills into groundwater or when harmful byproducts are released from burning in incinerators.

These impacts show that PFAS are hard to get rid of and that more people are calling for their removal from popular activewear.

How Governments are Dealing with PFAS in Clothing

In response to new evidence on PFAS risks, governments are making it harder for consumer goods such as textiles to contain these chemicals.

Regulations currently in place are:

• EU REACH: In May 2024, the European Commission adopted new rules under the REACH regulation to restrict the use of PFAS in consumer products, including textiles, for the protection of human health and the environment.
• United States (State-Level Legislation): California, New York, and Maine are among the states that have created laws to limit or ban PFAS in clothing. In California, AB 1817 has prohibited the sale of most textiles treated with PFAS.
• Canada: On March 5, 2025, Canada released its Final State of PFAS Report, concluding that the full class of PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, which pose lower exposure risks, meet one or more criteria for classification as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). 
  

Notable Enforcement Actions:

Many clothing brands have been taken to court for selling products treated with PFAS without warning the public. Many times, plaintiffs claim that the companies used false advertising and broke consumer protection rules.

Officials in many places have penalized manufacturers and importers who do not follow the rules for reporting or labeling PFAS when the restrictions are already implemented.

In December 2024, the Maryland Attorney General sued W.L. Gore & Associates for allegedly releasing toxic PFAS from its Cecil County facilities for over 50 years. The lawsuit claims Gore knew the health and environmental risks but failed to act, leading to widespread contamination of water, soil, and natural resources.

How to Identify PFAS in Activewear Before You Buy

PFAS are rarely listed directly on clothing labels, making them difficult for consumers to identify. However, certain terms and product claims may indicate the presence of fluorinated treatments.

Potential indicators of PFAS-treated garments include:

• Claims like: “Water-resistant,” “Stain-repellent,” “Moisture-wicking,” “Odor-resistant,” or “Performance finish” indicate the use of PFAS, unless alternate material is mentioned.
• Fabric technologies: Trade names such as DWR (Durable Water Repellent) often rely on PFAS unless specified as “PFAS-free.”
• Lack of transparency: Brands that do not disclose chemical treatments or material sourcing may be using PFAS-based coatings
• Country of origin: PFAS usage regulations vary globally. Garments produced in regions with weaker environmental oversight may be more likely to contain PFAS
  

To reduce risk, look for certifications such as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, bluesign®, or GreenScreen® Certified, which restrict or prohibit the use of PFAS in textile processing.

Safer Alternatives: Materials and Treatments That Don’t Use PFAS

Because attention on PFAS is increasing, the textile industry is introducing new materials that work just as well but are not harmful in the long run.

PFAS-free technologies include:

• Silicone- and wax-based DWR coatings: Used in rainwear and outerwear, these repel water without relying on fluorinated compounds.
• Biobased finishes: Innovations derived from plant oils or natural waxes provide moisture control and stain resistance.
• Electrospun fibers and engineered weaves: Certain textile constructions enhance breathability and moisture-wicking without chemical coatings.
• Care for your own health, your family, and the environment? Reach for PFAS-free products that are good for your skin, your home, and your family. 

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