Can outdoor clothing raise the PFAS levels in your blood?
Some Concern
What's actually in it
Waterproof and water-resistant outdoor clothing uses PFAS-based coatings to repel rain, snow, and stains. These "forever chemicals" are applied as a durable water repellent (DWR) finish on jackets, pants, hiking boots, and ski gear. When you wear these clothes, PFAS can transfer to your skin and off-gas into the air you breathe.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Ann Occup Environ Med analyzed data from Korea's National Environmental Health Survey and found that people who used outdoor clothing more frequently had higher PFAS levels in their blood. The more often people wore waterproof gear, the higher their serum PFAS concentrations.
PFAS from clothing can enter your body through skin absorption and inhalation. Sweating while wearing these garments may speed up the transfer. Since outdoor enthusiasts wear this gear regularly, their cumulative exposure is higher than occasional users.
Look for outdoor brands that have switched to PFAS-free water repellent treatments. Several major companies now offer DWR-free options using wax-based or silicone-based coatings instead.
The research at a glance
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