Are PFAS in waterproof clothing leaching through skin?

What's actually in it

Waterproof clothing often relies on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to repel water and oil. These are synthetic chemicals designed to be incredibly durable, which means they don't break down in the environment or in your body.

When you wear these garments, you aren't just wearing a fabric. You are wearing a chemical coating that can shed or transfer onto your skin. Once these chemicals enter your system, they can stay there for a long time. PFAS are known for their ability to build up in human blood, as shown in a 2026 study in Environ Health Prev Med.

What the research says

The science is clear: your outdoor gear is a source of chemical exposure. A 2026 study in Ann Occup Environ Med found a direct association between the use of outdoor clothing and higher serum levels of PFAS in the body. This confirms that the chemicals used to keep you dry are ending up in your bloodstream.

This is a major concern because these substances are not harmless. A 2026 study in Toxicol Mech Methods provides computational evidence linking short-chain PFAS exposure to potential reproductive toxicity and cancer. Because these chemicals are designed to resist breakdown, even short-chain versions pose significant risks to your health.