Chemicals found in clothing can be carcinogenic

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Toxic chemicals are widely used in clothing designed to protect against heat, grease, stains and water.

Due to their volatility, chemicals can permanently break off from products and become airborne. Sometimes they enter the bloodstream in several ways, mainly when moving through the air. There is evidence that this can lead to hormonal disruptions that can set the stage for several types of cancer.

Compounds used in the production of modern clothing have been linked in recent years to adverse effects on health, including skin irritation and developmental problems.

Polyfluoroalkylenes (PFASs), also known as forever chemicals, are widespread, but particularly prevalent in clothing, footwear and accessories.

Clothes contain particularly high levels of PFAS because they are a key ingredient in chemical treatments used in manufacturing. The adverse effects of these chemicals are becoming increasingly apparent, and they can become harmful to health only after prolonged exposure.

PFASs are dangerous for three important reasons. First, their structure means that they are resistant to degradation in the environment and in our bodies. Secondly, they penetrate the environment relatively quickly, which makes it difficult to contain their infection. Third, for some PFASs, even very low levels of exposure can adversely affect our health.