PFAS news and archive

UK government mulls ban of ‘forever chemicals’ in school uniforms

New amendments to the UK’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill could see PFAS – otherwise known as ‘forever chemicals’ – banned from use in school uniforms. The bill is currently in the committee stage in the House of Lords, and intends to introduce new regulation on everything from the cost of uniforms to the number of branded items a school...

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Background: The Gore-Tex brand and the tricky business of PFAS functionality

The crackdown on PFAS in functional clothing has been widespread in recent years, particularly as their harm to both the environment and humans becomes more broadly researched. It has forced leaders in the outerwear and sportswear industry to rethink their approach to implementing practical features into their designs, and has seen many facing...

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What to know: States banning or prohibiting PFAS in textiles in 2025

With the ringing in of 2025 came the implementation of a number of bills in the US intending to limit or ban the use and production of textile and apparel products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Concern surrounding these so-called “forever chemicals” has begun mounting in recent years due to their increased association...

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European Commission introduces partial ban on PFAS use in clothing

Several years after the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden took steps to ban PFAS substances from the EU, a partial ban has now been introduced by the European Commission. It concerns a subgroup of PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances), according to a statement from the commission. The ban will specifically apply to...

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Forever chemicals on the EU agenda: Key insights for the fashion industry on upcoming PFAS restrictions

Brussels - According to a 2024 study by Dr. Harrad, professor of environmental chemistry at University of Birmingham, PFAS can enter the skin’s fluids (like sweat and oils) by environmental media transmission (such as indoor dust), where they can then be absorbed via the skin and enter the bloodstream. With its upcoming legislative initiatives,...

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Denmark wants to ban PFAS in clothing and shoes

As part of a new action plan on the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the Danish government has proposed to introduce a national ban on PFAS in clothing, footwear and sealants, as these are one of the largest sources of PFAS in the local environment. Notably, PFAS in workwear and safety clothing should not be affected by the...

Fashion

How your workout clothes might be undermining your health

Working out and moving your body to feel good is an essential part of physical wellness - but what if the clothing you wear to the gym is actually making you sick? While reports concerning the use of PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and PFCs, better known as ‘forever chemicals’ used to coat textiles that are hazardous to both humans and...

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New framework launched in US to crack down on PFAS

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new framework that aims to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals entering the market and consequently damaging the environment. The framework will apply to new PFAS or new use notices that are currently under EPA review, as well as any that EPA may receive in the future. PFAS, short...

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New York state set to ban use of PFAS in clothing

New York state is preparing to ban the use of PFAS chemicals in the manufacturing of apparel and clothing. The move will come under a new law signed by governor Kathy Hochul, and is set to take effect on the final day of 2023. PFAS chemicals, also known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, have increasingly concerned environmental...

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Packaging giant 3m to stop using 'forever chemicals'

3M, a global manufacturer of packaging solutions from packing tape to Post-IT notes to waterproof coatings, have said it will stop making and using so-called "forever chemicals", common materials that have been linked to environmental hazards and health problems, such as cancer. 3M follows companies such as Gore-Tex, who have pledged to...

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California to ban toxic 'forever chemicals' used by apparel companies

Why do clothing garments and textiles need to be made using known toxic chemicals? That question has now been answered by California’s governor, who passed a bill to phase out PFAS, (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) better known as ‘forever chemicals, that coat many clothing and textile items and are hazardous to the environment. The full ban...

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California passes bill banning PFAS in textiles

The California State Assembly has announced the passing of its ‘Safer Clothes and Textiles Act’ which would ban the use of certain chemicals in new fabrics and textiles. The law specifically targets per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which have been proven by various studies to be toxic and can pose significant health risks, as noted by...