Are PFAS treatments on outdoor clothing harmful to health?
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What's actually in it
Outdoor gear is often coated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These are human-made chemicals used to make fabrics water-resistant and stain-proof. They are often called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment or your body.
When you wear clothing treated with these chemicals, they can enter your system. You aren't just wearing a jacket: you are carrying a chemical load that can end up in your blood.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Ann Occup Environ Med found a clear link between the use of outdoor clothing and higher levels of PFAS in the blood. This research confirms that these products are a source of exposure for the people who wear them.
Other research highlights why this matters. A 2026 study in Reprod Toxicol shows that PFAS exposure is linked to changes in the menstrual cycle in midlife women. When you choose gear treated with these chemicals, you are increasing your exposure to substances that interfere with your body's natural functions.
The research at a glance
What to use instead
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