Are raincoats with DWR coatings safe for daily wear?
Not if the DWR is PFAS-based. Sweat and friction transfer the chemicals to skin.
What's actually in it
Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings are what make water bead on a raincoat. Traditional DWRs are PFAS-based. Newer PFAS-free DWRs use silicone, wax, or proprietary polymers.
The coating isn't just on the outside. It migrates onto skin with wear, especially during sweaty activity.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Sci Total Environ tested kids' waterproof textiles with a sweat-simulant and found higher PFAS and OPE transfer through a skin model than with plain water. The mix was more toxic than either chemical alone. A 2025 case-control study linked PFAS in residential dust to higher childhood leukemia risk.
Look for jackets labeled "PFAS-free DWR," "PFC-free," or "no intentionally added PFAS." Major outdoor brands now offer these.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Sweat-amplified dermal transfer of PFAS and OPEs. | Sci Total Environ | 2025 |
| PFAS in residential dust and childhood leukemia. | Int J Cancer | 2025 |
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