Toxins In Clothing FAQ

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BPA In Clothing FAQ

BPA In Clothing Related Questions

What is BPA?

  • According to the National Library of Medicine, Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic synthetic compound serving as a monomer to produce polycarbonate plastic. It is widely used in the packaging of food and drinks, medical devices, thermal paper, dental materials, and clothing. It's also used to produce many of your favorite pieces of activewear apparel

  • According to CEH, BPA is a well known endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), which means that it looks and acts like hormones produced by our bodies. As a result, this confuses our endocrine system and causes disruption of normal bodily functions. The endocrine system is responsible for metabolism, growth,, development, and reproduction. Changes in the way this system functions can lead to a number of averse health effects.

What are the negative health effects of BPA?

  • Developmental harm
  • Delayed onset of puberty
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Hyperactivity
  • BPA exposure has also been found to be correlated to the development of breast cancer and prostate cancer
  • According to Mayo Clinic, BPA can also be linked to increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease

(Sources: CEH, National Library of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Oxford Academic)

What clothing materials is BPA most commonly found in?

How do I know if my clothes have BPA in them?

  • Independent testing labs like ATS can verify whether there is BPA in any item of clothing, but these tests typically cost at least a few hundred dollars to perform on a single item of clothing. We know because we've paid to test ours

  • Aside from testing, there is no concrete way to determine if your clothes contain BPA, but Silver Sea Apparel does test our products through an independent testing lab for BPA, PFAS and forever chemicals before releasing. Nonetheless, if you are trying to determine whether your current clothing has BPA or other toxic chemicals, understanding what kinds of materials have been found to test high for PFAS is a good place to start

  • If your clothing is made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, there is a greater risk of chemicals

  • Polyester and nylon are both derived from fossil fuels and therefore more likely to contain harmful toxins like BPA

  • The best way to reduce the risk of encountering BPA in your clothing is to pick brands that make their clothing from plant-based materials like TENCEL™ Lyocell or Organic Cotton and to look out for certifications like OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100

Is BPA in clothing dangerous?

  • A 2022 European study determined that the maximum amount of BPA that can be present in clothing to avoid harmful effects is around 0.8 mg per kg of fabric

  • According to the CEH, National Library of Medicine, may Clinic, and Oxford Academic, harmful effects of BPA include developmental harm, delayed onset of puberty, increased risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer, increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased levels of anxiety, depression and hyperactivity

How to get rid of BPA in clothing

  • The easiest way to avoid BPA in clothing is to buy from brands that make their clothing from plant-based and natural materials

  • However, if you do choose to buy clothing made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, you can wash new clothes before wearing for the first time and make sure to take these items of clothing off right after working out to limit your potential exposure

Does polyester have BPA?

  • Polyester is a manufactured synthetic fiber typically derived from petroleum. The manufacturing process involves the use of significant chemicals harmful to our bodies and the environment. Making polyester also produces a high level of emissions which is why more and more consumers are moving towards more sustainable and plant-based materials

  • According to The Center For Environmental Health, their investigations have found high levels of BPA in mostly polyester based activewear

  • However, it's important to note that not all polyester based clothing is going to contain dangerous levels of BPA

  • In assessing your risk of being exposed to dangerous levels of BPA in clothing, understand that you are significantly more likely to encounter BPA in your clothing if it is made from synthetic materials like polyester

Does polyester contain BPA?

  • Polyester is a manufactured synthetic fiber typically derived from petroleum. The manufacturing process involves the use of significant chemicals harmful to our bodies and the environment. Making polyester also produces a high level of emissions which is why more and more consumers are moving towards more sustainable and plant-based materials

  • According to The Center For Environmental Health, their investigations have found high levels of BPA in mostly polyester based activewear

  • However, it's important to note that not all polyester based clothing is going to contain dangerous levels of BPA

  • In assessing your risk of being exposed to dangerous levels of BPA in clothing, understand that you are significantly more likely to encounter BPA in your clothing if it is made from synthetic materials like polyester

Does nylon have BPA?

  • Nylon is a synthetic fiber, and synthetic fibers are significantly more likely to contain BPA compared to plant-based or natural fibers, but nylon is generally much less likely to contain BPA compared to polyester

Does nylon contain BPA?

  • Nylon is a synthetic fiber, and synthetic fibers are significantly more likely to contain BPA compared to plant-based or natural fibers, but nylon is generally much less likely to contain BPA compared to polyester

PFAS In Clothing FAQ

PFAS In Clothing Related Questions

What is PFAS?

  • According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS or "forever chemicals" are manufactured chemicals used since the 1940's in industry and consumer products. These synthetic substances are used to provide common features that you most likely value in your activewear, such as water and stain-resistant properties.

  • There are thousands of PFAS chemicals, some more widely used than others, but because of their widespread use over the past 80 years, PFAS have been found in the blood of people and animals across the globe.

What are the negative health effects of PFAS?

  • Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancer
    Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity
  • Reduced ability of the body's immune system to fight infections
  • Low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, and behavioral changes
  • Decreased fertility
  • High blood pressure in pregnant women

(Source: U.S. EPA)

What clothing materials are PFAS most commonly found in?

  • If you're trying to understand how to avoid PFAS in clothing, be on the lookout for apparel containing water or stain-resistant properties

How do I know if my clothes have PFAS?

  • Independent testing labs like ATS can verify whether there is PFAS in any item of clothing, but these tests typically cost at least a few hundred dollars to perform on a single item of clothing. We know because we've paid to test ours

  • Aside from testing, there is no concrete way to determine if your clothes contain PFAS, but Silver Sea Apparel tests our products through an independent testing lab for BPA, PFAS, and forever chemicals before releasing. Nonetheless, if you are trying to determine whether your current clothing has PFAS, understanding what kinds of materials have been found to test high for PFAS is a good place to start

  • If you're trying to understand how to avoid PFAS in clothing, be on the lookout for apparel containing water or stain-resistant properties. A 2022 report by Toxic-Free Future found that 72% of products labeled with any kind of water or stain resistant feature tested positive for PFAS. CBS News published an article in 2023 that detailed the presence of PFAS is rain jackets, hiking pants, shirts, yoga pants, and sports bras made by household brands

Are PFAS harmful?

  • According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS or "forever chemicals" are manufactured chemicals used since the 1940's in industry and consumer products. These synthetic substances are used to provide common features that you most likely value in your activewear, such as water and stain-resistant properties

  • According to the U.S. EPA, the following are some of the negative effects of PFAS:

  • Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancer
    Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity
  • Reduced ability of the body's immune system to fight infections
  • Low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, and behavioral changes
  • Decreased fertility
  • High blood pressure in pregnant women

Does polyester have PFAS?

  • Polyester is a manufactured synthetic fiber typically derived from petroleum. The manufacturing process involves the use of significant chemicals harmful to our bodies and the environment. Making polyester also produces a high level of emissions which is why more and more consumers are moving towards more sustainable and plant-based materials

  • Aside from using a third party lab to test for specific chemicals, there is no way to know for certain that PFAS is present in any item of clothing, but it certainly can be and in many cases the presence of harmful toxins like PFAS or forever chemicals are present in synthetic fibers like polyester

  • If any piece of clothing has been treated to resist water or stains, the likelihood of PFAS or forever chemicals being present increases

Does polyester contain PFAS?

  • Polyester is a manufactured synthetic fiber typically derived from petroleum. The manufacturing process involves the use of significant chemicals harmful to our bodies and the environment. Making polyester also produces a high level of emissions which is why more and more consumers are moving towards more sustainable and plant-based materials

  • Aside from using a third party lab to test for specific chemicals, there is no way to know for certain that PFAS is present in any item of clothing, but it certainly can be and in many cases the presence of harmful toxins like PFAS or forever chemicals are present in synthetic fibers like polyester

  • If any piece of clothing has been treated to resist water or stains, the likelihood of PFAS or forever chemicals being present increases

Does nylon have PFAS?

  • Nylon is a synthetic fiber, and synthetic fibers are significantly more likely to contain BPA, PFAS, and other chemicals compared to plant-based or natural fibers

  • Aside from using a third party lab to test for specific chemicals, there is no way to know for certain that PFAS is present in any item of clothing, but it certainly can be and in many cases the presence of harmful toxins like PFAS or forever chemicals are present in synthetic fibers like nylon

  • If any piece of clothing has been treated to resist water or stains, the likelihood of PFAS or forever chemicals being present increases, so you can see if water easily runs off any item of clothing in your closet. If you notice the fabric not absorbing the water at all, that may indicate the presence of PFAS or forever chemicals

Does nylon contain PFAS?

  • Nylon is a synthetic fiber, and synthetic fibers are significantly more likely to contain BPA, PFAS, and other chemicals compared to plant-based or natural fibers

  • Aside from using a third party lab to test for specific chemicals, there is no way to know for certain that PFAS is present in any item of clothing, but it certainly can be and in many cases the presence of harmful toxins like PFAS or forever chemicals are present in synthetic fibers like nylon

  • If any piece of clothing has been treated to resist water or stains, the likelihood of PFAS or forever chemicals being present increases, so you can see if water easily runs off any item of clothing in your closet. If you notice the fabric not absorbing the water at all, that may indicate the presence of PFAS or forever chemicals

Can PFAS be absorbed through the skin?

Why are PFAS called forever chemicals?

  • PFAS are a class of thousands of compounds that are often called "forever chemicals" because they do not naturally break down

  • PFAS have been found to accumulate in humans and are associated with higher rates of cancer, birth defects, liver disease, thyroid disease, fertility issues, and many other health problems

Toxins In Clothing FAQ

MISC Toxins In Clothing Questions

Is polyester safe to wear?

  • Polyester is a manufactured synthetic fiber typically derived from petroleum. The manufacturing process involves the use of significant chemicals harmful to our bodies and the environment. Making polyester also produces a high level of emissions which is why more and more consumers are moving towards more sustainable and plant-based materials

  • Ultimately, evidence shows that polyester based clothing items are more likely to have BPA and other harmful toxins, which makes sense considering that the fiber itself is derived from petrochemicals

Is nylon safe to wear?

  • Nylon is a synthetic fiber, and synthetic fibers are significantly more likely to contain BPA, PFAS, and other chemicals compared to plant-based or natural fibers

  • With that said, nylon polymers are not considered particularly harmful, and studies have shown that high levels of BPA found in activewear were in polyester based items as opposed to nylon based items

  • Some people may be more sensitive to synthetic fibers in which case they may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation

Is recycled plastic safe?

  • There are a couple different types of recycled plastics, including PET an rRPET

  • PET is short for Polyethylene Terephthalate, which is a strong and lightweight plastic made from oil and petrochemicals. According to Prevented Ocean Plastic, PET is most commonly used by the packaging sector. Common examples include water bottles, trays, domes holding fruits and salads, peanut butter containers, and cleaning products

  • RPET is recycled PET. In explaining the qualifications for rPET, Prevented Ocean Plastic cites the EU in saying that the production of rPET must produce a minimum of 24% reduction in carbon emissions. It's also common that recycled products must contain a minimum threshold of recycled material

  • Technically, anything made from PET can be recycled into rPET. While rPET is a more sustainable material since it is made from already existing materials that can be put to productive use, this does not necessarily mean that rPET is different than any other synthetic material that clothing is made from

  • As a result, one may conclude that rPET does not reduce the risks associated with encountering toxic chemicals commonly associated with any other synthetic fiber such as polyester or nylon

  • We encourage you to do additional research on this and focus on actual research and studies conducted by reputable organizations as there are a number of blogs that hold varying opinions on this topic

Is RPET safe?

  • There are a couple different types of recycled plastics, including PET an rRPET

  • PET is short for Polyethylene Terephthalate, which is a strong and lightweight plastic made from oil and petrochemicals. According to Prevented Ocean Plastic, PET is most commonly used by the packaging sector. Common examples include water bottles, trays, domes holding fruits and salads, peanut butter containers, and cleaning products

  • RPET is recycled PET. In explaining the qualifications for rPET, Prevented Ocean Plastic cites the EU in saying that the production of rPET must produce a minimum of 24% reduction in carbon emissions. It's also common that recycled products must contain a minimum threshold of recycled material

  • Technically, anything made from PET can be recycled into rPET. While rPET is a more sustainable material since it is made from already existing materials that can be put to productive use, this does not necessarily mean that rPET is different than any other synthetic material that clothing is made from

  • As a result, one may conclude that rPET does not reduce the risks associated with encountering toxic chemicals commonly associated with any other synthetic fiber such as polyester or nylon

  • We encourage you to do additional research on this and focus on actual research and studies conducted by reputable organizations as there are a number of blogs that hold varying opinions on this topic

Is RPET plastic safe?

  • There are a couple different types of recycled plastics, including PET an rRPET

  • PET is short for Polyethylene Terephthalate, which is a strong and lightweight plastic made from oil and petrochemicals. According to Prevented Ocean Plastic, PET is most commonly used by the packaging sector. Common examples include water bottles, trays, domes holding fruits and salads, peanut butter containers, and cleaning products

  • RPET is recycled PET. In explaining the qualifications for rPET, Prevented Ocean Plastic cites the EU in saying that the production of rPET must produce a minimum of 24% reduction in carbon emissions. It's also common that recycled products must contain a minimum threshold of recycled material

  • Technically, anything made from PET can be recycled into rPET. While rPET is a more sustainable material since it is made from already existing materials that can be put to productive use, this does not necessarily mean that rPET is different than any other synthetic material that clothing is made from

  • As a result, one may conclude that rPET does not reduce the risks associated with encountering toxic chemicals commonly associated with any other synthetic fiber such as polyester or nylon

  • We encourage you to do additional research on this and focus on actual research and studies conducted by reputable organizations as there are a number of blogs that hold varying opinions on this topic

Is recycled polyester safe to wear?

  • Similar to how rPET is comprised of PET, recycled polyester is comprised of polyester. The big difference is that recycled polyester is produced from polyester already in existence and therefore more sustainable although there are chemicals and emissions associated with the recycling of existing polyester

  • Regardless of recycled polyester's improved sustainability measures compared to traditional polyester, the same risks associated with traditional polyester exist with recycled polyester. Afterall, it is the same material at its core. This includes the higher likelihood of toxins that is common with any synthetic fiber

Why is polyester clothing toxic?

  • Polyester is a manufactured synthetic fiber typically derived from petroleum. The manufacturing process involves the use of significant chemicals harmful to our bodies and the environment. Making polyester also produces a high level of emissions which is why more and more consumers are moving towards more sustainable and plant-based materials

  • Given the amount of chemicals used in creating polyester along with the simple fact that it's derived from petrochemicals are the primary reasons that clothing made from polyester can be toxic

  • Ultimately, evidence shows that polyester based clothing items are more likely to have BPA and other harmful toxins, which makes sense considering that the fiber itself is derived from petrochemicals

What makes fabrics like polyester toxic?

  • Polyester is a manufactured synthetic fiber typically derived from petroleum. The manufacturing process involves the use of significant chemicals harmful to our bodies and the environment. Making polyester also produces a high level of emissions which is why more and more consumers are moving towards more sustainable and plant-based materials

  • Given the amount of chemicals used in creating polyester along with the simple fact that it's derived from petrochemicals are the primary reasons that clothing made from polyester can be toxic

  • Ultimately, evidence shows that polyester based clothing items are more likely to have BPA and other harmful toxins, which makes sense considering that the fiber itself is derived from petrochemicals

What makes fabrics like nylon toxic?

  • Nylon is a synthetic fiber, and synthetic fibers are significantly more likely to contain BPA, PFAS, and other chemicals compared to plant-based or natural fibers

  • However, nylon polymers are not considered particularly harmful, and studies have shown that high levels of BPA found in activewear were in polyester based items as opposed to nylon based items

How to get rid of toxins in clothes?

  • Best practices when buying any new item of clothing is to wash the new item using hot water before wearing for the first time. While this may protect your body from some of the harmful chemicals in clothing, synthetic materials like polyester and nylon release thousands of microplastics into the water supply during wash, so this is another reason why these materials are suboptimal

Can chemicals in clothes be absorbed through the skin?

  • The short answer is yes, but including a couple of studies that provide more details about the chemicals and their ability to penetrate the skin

  • A 2018 study published by National Library of Medicine found that chemicals such as benzothiazole, a common contaminant in clothing, could be released from textile material and penetrate through the skin. Given benzothiazole's similar molecular structure to other harmful toxins found in clothing, the study concludes that it's very likely other toxins were capable to penetrating the skin in a similar way. Subsequent studies have proven this hypothesis correct

Can chemicals be washed out of clothes?

  • Yes, some chemicals can be washed out of clothes, and it's best practice to wash any new item of clothing before wearing. However, it's important to note that when you wash clothing made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, microplastics and toxins are released into the water supply

  • Not all chemicals can be removed from clothing through washing

Is fabric dye on skin dangerous?

  • Some fabric dyes can be dangerous to your skin and can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation

  • Choosing brands using fabrics that are certified OKEO-TEX STANDARD 100, GOTS, or Bluesign reduce the risk of encountering toxic chemicals in your clothing as these third parties only certify textiles that meet specific requirements and testing criteria to ensure there are no harmful toxins present

What are the most sustainable clothing brands?

  • The vast majority of clothing brands make their activewear from a generic pattern design using synthetic materials manufactured overseas in countries with hourly wages as low as $0.30 per hour

  • With the increased awareness of the presence of toxic chemicals in our clothing, brands are beginning to offer more sustainable and healthy options

  • However, many brands make an effort to appeal to the growing awareness among consumers when it comes to sustainability. As a result, many brands promote sustainability while doing little to actually practice it. This is known by the common term as "greenwashing" and it's important to understand what brands are serious about sustainability verses simply pandering to consumers based on a current trend

How to spot brands misleading consumers by greenwashing?

  • Look for where brands manufacture. This is a really good leading indicator

  • Lookout for buzzwords like "eco-friendly" and "sustainability without providing explicit clarity on the materials they're using and where they're manufacturing their products

  • Brands that make vague claims about their commitment to minimizing environmental and ethical harm with no data or certifications to support them are often intentionally vague for a reason - because they can't back up their claims!

  • Avoid brands that create a "sustainable," "sustainable sportswear," "sustainable athletic wear," "sustainable workout clothing", or "sustainable workout clothes" collection but the majority of their items are still made with synthetic materials and manufactured overseas

  • Inconsistent statements around working conditions or sustainability that contradict the reality that they're manufacturing overseas and using synthetic materials

  • ***Be weary of fabric names you haven't heard of before in an effort to disguise the actual materials. For example, here's a list below:

  • Nulu™ fabric (Lululemon's trademarked name for a blend of nylon and Lycra)
  • Everlux™ fabric (Lululemon's trademarked name for a blend of nylon and Lycra)
  • Luxtreme™ fabric (Lululemon's trademarked name for a blend of nylon and Lycra)
  • Luon fabric (Lululemon's trademarked name for a blend of nylon and Lycra)
  • Nulux fabric (Lululemon's trademarked name for a blend of nylon and Lycra)
  • Powervita™ fabric (Athleta's trademarked name for their blend of a Lycra based fabric)

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