CBS Covers New Investigation into Lululemon PFAS Toxic Chemicals in its Clothing
Lululemon faces a new investigation based on claims its yoga pants and other products may contain PFAS toxic chemicals. The Texas Attorney General says the probe will look at whether the Lululemon company uses potentially dangerous forever PFAS toxic chemicals in its clothing. Lululemon says it stopped using those substances years ago.
Lululemon Activewear Under Texas STATE Investigation
They’re a pioneer in activewear, with a focus on wellness. Now Lululemon is at the center of a state investigation into the use of so-called forever PFAS toxic chemicals. In a statement released Monday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said his office is reviewing whether the Lululemon company misled customers about the health impacts of its products, saying — quote — “Emerging research and consumer concerns have raised questions about the potential presence of forever PFAS toxic chemicals in their clothing.”
Forever PFAS Toxic Chemicals History in Clothing and Health Effects
PFAS have historically been used in a wide variety of textiles to make them water and stain resistant. Like their nickname suggests, forever PFAS toxic chemicals can linger in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years. Studies have linked them with possible adverse health effects in humans, including increased risk of certain kinds of cancers.
Lululemon Statement on Using Forever PFAS Toxic Chemicals
In a statement, Lululemon said it had previously used PFAS in its durable water-repellent products, but the company says it phased out use of the PFAS toxic chemicals three years ago. That’s part of a wider tread among big clothing brands, says Arlene Bloom, a research scientist at Berkeley who studies PFAS. ARLENE BLOOM: There are PFAS toxic chemicals you don’t want to use on anything unless you absolutely need them. That doesn’t mean you wear PFAS clothing and you get sick.
IT MEANS THAT YOU GET SOME EXPOSURE WHICH ADDS TO ALL KINDS OF OTHER EXPOSURES YOU GET FROM AIR POLLUTION AND FOOD THAT MIGHT BE PROBLEMATIC. SO WE’RE ALL EXPOSED TO SOME PFAS TOXIC CHEMICALS AND WE WANT TO MINIMIZE THAT ACROSS THE POPULATION. BLOOM SAYS A MAJOR REASON CLOTHING BRANDS BEGAN ABANDONING PFAS WAS BECAUSE OF TWO STATE LAWS THAT WENT INTO EFFECT IN CALIFORNIA AND NEW YORK LAST YEAR BANNING THE SALE OF CLOTHING CONTAINING THOSE PFAS TOXIC CHEMICALS.
