“Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been detected in consumer clothing and textile products.”

Zhu et al. collected 160 textiles and identified 13 PFAAs. The concentration of PFAAs in flame-retardant textiles was the highest (59.4 ng/g), followed by waterproof textiles (12.9 ng/g) and baby clothing (2.33 ng/g). Among them, PFCA (C4–C10) accounted for at least three-quarters of the total PFAA content.

This included the high RSDs of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) (95%) for the FC-6 coated PES fabric and of PFOA (63%) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) (57%) for the FC-8 coated PA fabric.

Analysis of 32 textile samples by methanol extraction revealed that the average concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were 0.18 µg m(-2) (0.02 to 0.61 µg m(-2)) and 2.74 µg m(-2) (0.31 to 14.14 µg m(-2)), respectively. Although the average concentration of PFOS found in textile samples was below European Union (EU) Commission regulations (<1 µg m(-2)), the average concentration of PFOA was 2.74 µg m(-2), and 68.75% of textile samples had PFOA concentrations exceeding 1 µg m(-2).

Of the 20 PFAS measured, only 11 PFAS were detected in consumer apparel textiles including men's and women's pants and men's rain jackets. PFHxA was the most commonly detected PFAS across the consumer and upholstery textiles tested. Linear PFOA concentrations were only found in men’s pants.

Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI) of UL Research Institutes has released its first report on a multi-phase research study of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” associated with consumer and commercial textiles. Consumer apparel items from various brands were evaluated including women's and men's pants, rain jackets, leggings, and t-shirts. Of the 20 PFAS analytically targeted, 11 were detected in the textiles studied; Per-fluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) was the most commonly detected PFAS across the consumer textiles evaluated.

PFOA, one of the most prevalent and notorious types of PFAS, was detected in at least 28 percent, or more than 17, of the 60 tested products. A total 34 of the 47 consumer products that included stain- or water-resistance marketing claims contained PFAS.

A study released today by Arnika, IPEN and 13 IPEN member groups and partners found toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals, including globally banned substances in outdoor jackets and clothing purchased from thirteen countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. PFOA, a PFAS chemical that is known to be highly toxic and has been banned globally, was the most common PFAS in outdoor jackets, found in 17 products.

Consumer apparel items from various brands were evaluated, including women's and men's pants, rain jackets, leggings, and t-shirts. Of the 20 PFAS measured, only 11 PFAS were detected in consumer apparel textiles including men's and women's pants and men's rain jackets. However, linear PFOA concentrations were only found in men's pants and not detected in women's pants.

PFAS have been used for decades in the manufacture of textile apparel and garments. These include outdoor gear, waterproof apparel, school uniforms, medical garments, and high-performance uniforms such as those used in firefighting. Moreover, textile and leather articles containing PFAS have been found to continually emit PFAS over the course of their lifetimes, including toxic, long-chain PFAS like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) that have been otherwise phased out in the US.

PFAS are often found in clothing and other textile products, including: Raincoats; Outdoor gear; Activewear; Uniforms; Household textiles. They are used in clothing because they can help fabrics repel moisture, oil, and dirt.

This restriction is an important step forward in reducing PFAS emissions, since PFHxA is often used as substitution for another already banned PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid, or 'PFOA').

The EU has agreed on a restriction on the use of PFHxA. The restriction will ban the sale and use of PFHxA in consumer textiles, such as rain jackets; food packaging, like pizza boxes; consumer mixtures such as waterproofing sprays; cosmetics like skin care products; and in some firefighting foam applications like for training and testing, without compromising safety. The PFHxA restriction formally entered into force on October 10, 2024.

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals often used in the textile industry for specific characteristics such as breathability, oil/water/dirt repellency, thermal stability and durability throughout the washing and dry cleaning processes. PFAS have been widely regulated globally in recent years.

Toxic chemicals have been found in hundreds of consumer products and clothing bought off the racks nationwide. A 2022 report by Toxic-Free Future found that nearly three-quarters of products labeled as water- or stain-resistant tested positive for PFAS. Gore, for example, said years ago that the company had eliminated PFOA from its materials. But in its testing last year, Toxic-Free Future found it in REI Gore-Tex rain jackets.

Presence of extractable PFAS only in water- or stain-resistant items consistent with intentional use. Detection of PFAS in items with green certifications is not necessarily unexpected.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are widely used in the textile industry due to their water-, oil-, and stain-resistant properties. ... A recent study detected PFAS in approximately 88% of tested textile samples. The study also found that dermal absorption may increase in the presence of sweat, suggesting that everyday use can facilitate exposure through skin contact.

In fact, research has shown that PFAS can be found in the blood serum of over 98% of the US population (Dignes 2024).

Globally, around 35% of PFAS production is used in textiles, including clothing, leather, carpets, and ski waxes. ... In 2023, the WHO's cancer research agency classified PFOA as carcinogenic and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic.

Toxic chemicals have been found in hundreds of consumer products and clothing bought off the racks nationwide. Manufacturers often treat these types of garments with a type of PFAS called side-chain fluorinated polymers to achieve “sweat wicking” or cooling properties. California, New York, and Colorado have adopted PFAS policies, with California banning PFAS from all textiles starting in 2025.

Two members of the PFAS group have been widely used: perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), both consisting of a chain of eight perfluorinated carbon atoms (C8) and two carbon atoms without fluorine. ... Specifically, during wearing and aging of water repellent clothes, 8:2 FTOH degrades to perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs; including the globally banned perfluorooctanoate (PFOA)).

Products marked “PFOA-free” or “PFOS-free” might still have other harmful PFAS chemicals. These labels suggest they use other types of PFAS.

Multiple peer-reviewed studies, including those in Environmental Science & Technology, have confirmed PFOA and other PFAS in consumer textiles like waterproof clothing and outdoor gear, with detections dating back to early 2000s research by 3M and EPA.

Regulatory pressure is mounting to eliminate PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) from textiles worldwide. These chemicals, once valued for their ability to make garments water- and stain-resistant are now the subject of extraordinary scrutiny for their environmental persistence and impact on human health. ... The EU/EEA restricted C9-14 PFCAs and related substances in February 2023, following a proposal by German and Swedish authorities. Restrictions on PFHxA and related substances will begin in April 2026, based on a 2019 German proposal and ECHA's 2021 opinion.