Fact Sheet

Toxic Fashion: Remove “Forever” PFAS Chemicals from Our Apparel

Immediately banning all PFAS from apparel is an important step in reducing exposure to these hazardous chemicals.

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A headshot of Sujatha Bergen
Sujatha Bergen
Director, Global LNG, International
Yiliqi
Scientist & Senior Manager, Environmental Health

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, are a large family of an estimated 9,000 human-made chemicals that have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, liver and kidney damage, developmental and reproductive harm, and damage to the immune system. In addition to being widely used in kitchen goods and cosmetics, PFAS are applied to clothes, shoes, and accessories like purses and backpacks to make them more water and stain resistant while keeping the fabric breathable. This use in apparel can expose us directly to PFAS through skin contact and accidental ingestion, as well as indirectly through the contamination of our environment.

Immediately banning all PFAS from consumer apparel is an important step in reducing exposure to these hazardous chemicals.

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