Investigation finds evidence of PFAS in workout and yoga pants

By EHN Staff | Environmental Health News | January 20, 2022

Read the full article by EHN Staff (Environmental Health News)

"One in four pairs of popular leggings and yoga pants tested have detectable levels of fluorine, an indicator of toxic PFAS, according to a new report from Mamavation.

Partnering with EHN.org, the environmental wellness blog and community Mamavation tested the activewear and found levels of fluorine ranging from 10 parts per million (ppm) up to 284 ppm in eight pairs of leggings and pants, out of 32 tested. EHN.org partially funded the testing and Pete Myers, chief scientist of Environmental Health Sciences, which publishes Environmental Health News, reviewed the findings.

While the testing doesn’t prove per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are in the products, fluorine is a strong indicator of the “forever chemicals”— which have been linked to everything from cancer to birth defects to lower vaccine effectiveness.

 

8 brands with PFAS indicators 

The testing—done from the crotch area of the pants—was conducted by an EPA-certified lab and flagged any clothing that had more than 10 parts per million (ppm) fluorine.

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"