PFAS: The "Forever Chemicals"
Hidden in Your Clothes

Published March 18, 2025

Reading time: 6 minutes

By Lesia Tello & Jordy Munarriz

When we think of our favorite outdoor jacket or waterproof hiking boots, we often marvel at their durability and performance. But did you know that many of these garments might contain chemicals with lasting impacts on our health and the environment? Meet PFAS—perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances—commonly referred to as "forever chemicals."

What Are PFAS and Where Do They Hide?

PFAS are a group of synthetic compounds used since the 1950s to make materials water-repellent, stain-resistant, and non-stick [1]. These compounds have been widely adopted in industries ranging from cookware and food packaging to textiles, where they are commonly found in outdoor gear, sportswear, and waterproof clothing [2].

PFAS are notorious for their persistence in the environment—and unfortunately, in our bodies. They have an incredibly strong chemical structure that makes them resistant to breakdown [1]. Once released, they can linger in the environment for decades or even centuries, leading to bioaccumulation in living organisms and contamination in water and soil [3,4,5,6]. In humans, PFAS have a half-life of over five years, meaning it takes that long for just half of the substance to be eliminated from the body [7].

Pathways of direct human per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure and its potential health effects [2]

The Health Risks of PFAS

The bioaccumulation of PFAS in our bodies is a growing concern. These chemicals can enter through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion—think contaminated drinking water or food [1,8]. Studies suggest that prolonged exposure to PFAS may lead to:

Higher cholesterol levels [9]
Increased blood pressure [10]
Risk of kidney disease [11]
Birth defects and developmental delays [12,13,14]
Preeclampsia in pregnant women [15,16]
Potential links to cancer (though more research is needed) [17,18,19]

The scary part? Almost everyone on the planet has some level of PFAS in their blood. Shockingly, studies have shown that up to 99% of analyzed human blood samples contain detectable levels of PFAS, raising significant health concerns [20,21].

PFAS in Your Clothes: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Fashion is one of the main culprits when it comes to PFAS exposure. Outdoor clothing, sportswear, and even some upholstery are treated with PFAS to enhance durability and resistance. But as these garments age or are exposed to washing, sunlight, or heat, PFAS leach out, contaminating our environment [22,23].

Even more concerning is the indirect use of PFAS in textile production. Some dyes and finishing processes unintentionally introduce these chemicals into supposedly PFAS-free products. For instance:

Reactive dyes: Often use polyamide, a material known to contain PFAS, to protect fabrics during the dyeing process [24].
Finishing treatments: Flame retardants, water repellents, and stain-resistant coatings frequently involve PFAS [1].

Fighting Back: Global Legislation and Regulations

Recognizing the dangers of PFAS, governments and organizations worldwide are stepping in. Here’s a quick look at some key initiatives:

European Union: In 2007, the REACH program began regulating toxic substances, including PFAS. The EU is now considering a total ban on PFAS by 2026 [25,26,27,28].
United States: Recent measures include the Clean Drinking Water Act (2022) and a proposed nationwide PFAS limit in water by the EPA [29,30].
Asia: Countries such as China and Japan have implemented partial bans, but their enforcement remains inconsistent and below what is expected of world powers [31,32].

Despite these efforts, the fight is far from over. Many textile-producing countries still lack stringent regulations, allowing PFAS contamination to persist.

At Arms of Andes we make our gear from 100% Royal Alpaca Wool of 18-18.5 microns.

Men's Alpaca Wool Tank Top 160 Ultralight

Men's Alpaca Wool Hoodie 300 Lightweight Half-Zip

Women's Alpaca Wool Leggings 300 Lightweight

A Brighter Future: Alternatives to PFAS

The good news is that innovative alternatives are emerging to replace PFAS in textiles:

Silicone-based finishes: Offer water resistance without harmful chemicals [33].
Paraffin waxes and polylactic acid (PLA): Provide environmentally conscious options for water-repellent treatments [34].
Gore-Tex membranes: While not perfect, these PFAS-free materials block water and are being adopted by forward-thinking brands [35,36].
Sustainable pioneers: Companies like Archroma and Solvay are developing cutting-edge, PFAS-free technologies for textiles [37,38]

What Can You Do?

As a conscious consumer, you have the power to make a difference. Here’s how:

Check labels: Look for brands that explicitly state their products are PFAS-free.
Spread awareness: Share this knowledge with friends and family to encourage informed choices.
Support sustainable brands: Companies investing in safer alternatives deserve your support.

PFAS may be invisible, but their impact is anything but. From polluting our environment to endangering our health, these chemicals remind us that sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste—it’s about rethinking how and why we produce.

The Arms of Andes Commitment

At Arms of Andes, we take sustainability seriously. Our outdoor apparel is crafted from 100% alpaca wool, a natural fiber that’s naturally water-resistant, breathable, and durable—delivering performance without harmful chemicals. We also use natural dyes, ensuring every step of our production process aligns with our commitment to the planet.

By choosing alpaca wool, you reduce exposure to harmful chemicals while supporting a cleaner, healthier environment.

Are you ready to rethink what’s in your closet? Explore the difference with Arms of Andes—because the future of sustainable fashion starts with you.

Glossarykeywords

Bioaccumulation:
The gradual build-up of substances, like PFAS, in the tissues of living organisms over time due to prolonged exposure.

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency):
A U.S. government agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment. Implements regulations to limit PFAS in drinking water and consumer products.

Finishing Treatments:
Chemical treatments applied to textiles to enhance properties like water repellency, stain resistance, or flame retardancy. Often involve the use of PFAS.

Flame Retardants:
Chemical treatments used in textiles to reduce flammability. Often associated with PFAS in durable finishes.

Half-Life:
The time it takes for half of a substance, such as PFAS, to be eliminated from the body. For PFAS, the half-life in humans can exceed five years.

Paraffin Waxes:
A natural alternative to PFAS used in textile treatments to provide water repellency.

Polylactic Acid (PLA):
A biodegradable polymer derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, used as an alternative in water-repellent textile finishes.

Polyamide:
A synthetic polymer used in textile dyeing processes to protect fabrics. Known to sometimes contain PFAS, raising concerns about indirect exposure.

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals):
A regulatory framework established by the European Union in 2007 to ensure the safe use of chemicals in manufacturing and protect human health and the environment.

Reactive Dyes:
A type of dye used in textiles that chemically reacts with fibers to create a permanent bond. Sometimes associated with PFAS due to the use of polyamide during the dyeing process.

Silicone-Based Finishes:
A PFAS-free option used in textiles to provide water resistance and durability without harmful environmental or health effects.

Authors & Researchers

Lesia tello

Biologist and hiking enthusiast with a deep admiration for nature and the intricate mechanisms of life. With a background in biochemistry and a master’s degree in education, she blends science with adventure, exploring how we interact with the natural world and sharing insights on outdoor experiences.

Jordy Munarriz

Environmental Engineer with a master’s degree in renewable energy and a specialization in sustainability. A passionate traveler and advocate for responsible tourism, he captures the essence of exploration through storytelling, inspiring others to connect with nature in a conscious and meaningful way.

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