Key facts
- State laws banning PFAS in clothing and textiles have led to a significant reduction in the chemicals' use.
- Approximately 80% of 115 tested products complied with state PFAS regulations.
- Products from major brands like Columbia, Lululemon, and Moab shoes showed very low levels of PFAS markers.
- Some companies' products still contain high levels of PFAS, indicating potential non-compliance with state laws.
- New York and California passed their PFAS ban laws in 2022, with compliance largely achieved by the end of 2024.
State laws enacted to ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in clothing and textiles have significantly reduced the presence of these toxic 'forever chemicals' in consumer products, according to a new US report. Public health advocates view this as a major win, highlighting the effectiveness of protective policies.
Testing of approximately 115 products purchased in New York and California, states that have implemented bans on the intentional addition of PFAS, found that about 80% complied with the regulations. Brands including Columbia, Lululemon, and Moab showed very low levels of PFAS markers in their products, suggesting a widespread shift away from the chemicals.
Anna Reade, a senior scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council and co-author of the report, stated that the findings demonstrate that strong legislation is making a difference. She noted the encouraging speed of change and that businesses have adapted without needing to cease operations.
PFAS are a group of at least 16,000 compounds commonly used to impart water, stain, and grease resistance to products. They are linked to numerous serious health issues, including cancer and kidney disease, and are termed 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment.
While many companies previously resisted removing PFAS, citing a lack of alternatives or high costs, some voluntarily switched, while others responded to market pressure created by state laws. The report suggests that it is no longer financially or logistically sensible for companies to produce PFAS-containing clothing for sale in states with bans.
New York and California passed their laws in 2022, and many companies, including Levi’s, LL Bean, and Patagonia, largely eliminated intentionally added PFAS by the end of 2024, just before the laws took effect on January 1, 2025. Gore-Tex, a PFAS producer, now offers PFAS-free waterproofing agents, though some of its products still contain the chemicals.
The report also noted that most clothing is not entirely PFAS-free due to widespread use of the chemicals in supply chains, such as lubricants on factory machinery, leading to unintentional contamination. Reade indicated that about 70% of detected PFAS levels suggested unintentional addition, with another 10% in a gray area.
Companies producing diapers, outdoor furniture, and pet products accounted for most of the violations. States' attorneys general may be notified of companies exceeding limits, and California is set to implement an enforcement mechanism. Reade urged lagging companies to quickly adopt PFAS-free practices to protect consumers nationwide.