4 min learnNew DelhiSep 8, 2026 04:01 PM IST
Current stories have raised questions in regards to the potential presence of “endlessly chemical compounds” in activewear from main athletic attire model Lululemon. Texas Legal professional Basic Ken Paxton has launched an investigation to find out whether or not the corporate’s athletic attire incorporates PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The Workplace of the Legal professional Basic mentioned it is going to additionally look at Lululemon’s Restricted Substances Checklist, testing protocols and supply-chain practices to evaluate whether or not its merchandise adjust to the corporate’s said security requirements.
Lululemon, nevertheless, has denied presently utilizing PFAS in its merchandise. The corporate mentioned it phased out the chemical compounds in fiscal 2023, following their restricted use in a small proportion of water-repellent merchandise.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are artificial chemical compounds used to make materials proof against water, stains and sweat and have additionally been utilized in nonstick cookware and a few meals packaging.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
To grasp extra about these chemical compounds and their dangers, we requested an professional.
Dr Amit Saraf, director, inner drugs, Jupiter Hospital, Thane, mentioned PFAS are sometimes referred to as “endlessly chemical compounds” as a result of a few of them persist within the atmosphere and might stay within the physique for a very long time.
“From a well being perspective, extended publicity to sure PFAS has been related to results on the immune system, metabolism and hormonal features. Nonetheless, the potential well being impression is determined by elements akin to the particular PFAS concerned, the quantity of publicity and the length of publicity. Due to this fact, the presence of PFAS in a product shouldn’t mechanically be interpreted as a direct well being danger,” mentioned Dr Saraf.
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Does sporting activewear containing PFAS imply these chemical compounds will enter our physique?
Not essentially, clarifed Dr Saraf. “Pores and skin contact doesn’t imply {that a} dangerous amount will mechanically be absorbed. Publicity from clothes can fluctuate relying on the kind of material, the chemical used, how the garment is handled and the way incessantly it’s worn.”
On the identical time, activewear is usually worn near the pores and skin and infrequently during times of sweating, so it’s cheap to encourage higher transparency in regards to the chemical compounds utilized in such merchandise, Dr Saraf instructed indianexpress.com.
Are you shopping for chemical-free activewear? (Picture: Freepik)
“For individuals who recurrently put on activewear, notably throughout intense exercises when there’s extended contact between sweaty pores and skin and material, it’s cheap to be conscious of product claims and select clothes from producers that present clear details about the materials and chemical remedies used,” mentioned Dr Aarti Ullal, doctor and diabetologist, Gleneagles Hospital Parel.
What ought to shoppers take note whereas shopping for sportswear?
Shoppers could make easy, sensible decisions. Dr Saraf famous that customers ought to search for manufacturers that clearly disclose their supplies and chemical remedies, and like merchandise with credible PFAS-free or chemical-safety certifications the place out there. “Additionally it is necessary to do not forget that PFAS publicity can come from a number of environmental and client sources, so specializing in one product class alone might give an incomplete image.
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“Extra transparency from producers, unbiased testing, and stronger regulation will help shoppers make better-informed decisions with out creating pointless concern,” added Dr Ullal.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
