Can waterproof and stain-resistant treatments on clothes and fabric expose you to chlorinated PFAS?

What's actually in it

Waterproof jackets, stain-resistant pants, wrinkle-free shirts, and water-repellent fabrics are treated with PFAS-based coatings. These coatings break down over time with washing and wear, releasing PFAS-laden fibers and particles. When you wash treated clothing, the chemicals go down the drain and into waterways, eventually cycling back through drinking water and food.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Sci Rep developed a method to measure fragmented fibers, including microplastics, released during laundry washing. The researchers found that treated fabrics shed more chemical-carrying fibers than untreated ones. These fibers included microplastics that can carry PFAS and other chemicals into waterways.

Your skin also absorbs PFAS directly from treated clothing, especially when you sweat. The combination of dermal absorption and environmental contamination means waterproof clothing creates a dual exposure pathway.

Choose clothing made from untreated natural fabrics like organic cotton and wool for daily wear. When you need waterproof gear, look for brands using PFAS-free DWR coatings based on wax or silicone.