Keep dry without wrapping yourself in PFAS.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are commonly used in rain gear to make it water-resistant. These forever chemicals may keep rainwater off of your body, but they can leave a lasting effect on your body, too! PFAS have been linked to various health issues and can persist in the environment for decades. You might be wondering, "Does all waterproof clothing have PFAS?" The good news is that not all brands use PFAS in clothing. Want to avoid getting wet with the help of PFAS-free rain jackets? Don’t worry! We have you covered…without the use of forever chemicals!
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Used In Products?
PFAS have been widely used since the 1950s due to their versatility. There are thousands of types of PFAS chemicals used in manufacturing for a variety of reasons.
PFAS are characterized by their carbon-fluorine bonds, making these chemicals the strongest in organic chemistry. Their unique bond structure gives PFAS remarkable stability and resistance to degradation.
PFAS are used in manufacturing due to these qualities:
- Stain resistance: Upholstery, carpets, clothing
- Grease resistance: Food packaging, uniforms
- Non-stick properties: Cookware, bakeware
- Heat resistance: Firefighting foam, industrial equipment
- Durability: Textiles, leather treatments
- Friction reduction: Lubricants, waxes
- Water repellency: Outdoor gear, umbrellas, shoes
While these qualities are favorable for products, they’re not favorable to our health or the environment. Let’s take a closer look at why PFAS are used in rain products so you can make informed decisions about your clothing purchases.
Why Are PFAS Used In Rain Gear?
There’s nothing to sing about in the rain if you’re covered in PFAS. PFAS are commonly used in rain jackets, ponchos, umbrellas, and other protective outdoor gear.
In rain gear specifically, PFAS are prized for their ability to create a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. This treatment allows water to bead up and roll off the fabric surface, keeping the wearer dry without compromising breathability.
DWR treatments containing PFAS are typically applied to the outer layer of waterproof jackets, pants, and other outdoor gear. They work with other waterproof membranes, like Gore-Tex, to enhance overall water resistance and performance.
PFAS are prevalent in many popular outdoor brands, with some estimates suggesting that up to 70% of waterproof gear contains these chemicals. However, growing awareness of environmental and health concerns has led some manufacturers to seek PFAS-free alternatives.
Health Concerns Over PFAS In Rain Jackets and Other Products
The use of PFAS in rain gear has an impact that lasts longer than a passing storm.
Studies on PFAS have shown that exposure to these harmful chemicals may lead to:
- High cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease [1]
- Decreased vaccine effectiveness [2]
- Hormone disruption and infertility [3]
- Increased risk of certain cancers [4]
- Low birth weights and developmental issues [5]
While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects, it's clear that minimizing our exposure to PFAS is a prudent step in protecting our health.
Environmental Impacts of PFAS in Outdoor Gear
Take in the beauty that is our planet earth without exposing yourself (and the environment) to PFAS. Forever chemicals are just as the namesake implies. They will last in the environment far beyond our lifetimes.
PFAS have contaminated our soil, water, and air. These harmful chemicals have been detected in remote areas of the globe, from Arctic snow to deep ocean waters [6].
This exhibits their ability to travel far from their sources! PFAS last a long time, as do the clothes that are used to make them. Billions of garments end up in landfills every year, including outdoor gear made with PFAS [7]. Over time, these chemicals migrate, eventually contaminating our food, air, and water [8].
The widespread contamination of PFAS poses significant threats to wildlife, disrupting ecosystems and potentially causing long-term damage to biodiversity. As PFAS make their way through the food chain, they can accumulate in the tissues of plants and animals, including those we eat [9].
This process of bioaccumulation is particularly troubling when we consider how PFAS can build up in our bodies over time. As we're exposed to PFAS through various sources – from the water we drink to the food we eat and the clothing we wear – these chemicals can accumulate in our blood, organs, and tissues. Therefore, we should be mindful of the products we purchase, including items that may seem trivial, like rain gear.
Minimize the spread of PFAS by purchasing clothes made without the use of PFAS. If you have jackets made with PFAS and they’re still in good condition, don’t throw them away to buy another jacket made with PFAS. Only purchase new outdoor gear when you truly need it, and always consider researching rain gear without PFAS before making a purchase.
PFAS-Free Raincoats
Are you ready to take a step towards a healthier lifestyle and a more sustainable planet? Discovering PFAS-free rain gear brands is an exciting opportunity to stay dry without compromising your well-being or the environment! By choosing these innovative products, you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, knowing you're making a positive impact for yourself and future generations.
Some of the best PFAS-free rain jackets brands include:
As of 2024, 99% of products sold at Patagonia will be PFAS-free [10]. REI is also in the process of removing any brands from their stores that sell clothing made with PFAS [11].
There are other brands that have PFAS-free rain gear, but not all of their products. You can learn more about these low-PFAS brands at PFAS Central. Just make sure you read about the products you plan to purchase to ensure they are part of the brand’s PFAS-free collection of items.
Are PFAS Alternatives Safe?
As concerns about PFAS grow, researchers and companies are exploring innovative alternatives to create water-resistant and stain-repellent products without using these harmful chemicals.
While innovative alternatives like beeswax and plant-based solutions offer promising steps towards reducing PFAS in waterproof gear, it's important to recognize that these solutions aren't perfect either.
For example, some alternatives still contain paraffin, a petroleum byproduct derived from crude oil refinement.
Given this complex landscape, the best approach for consumers is to make informed choices that balance performance needs with health and environmental concerns.
This might mean:
- Recognizing that not all outdoor gear needs to be completely waterproof. For example, a windbreaker provides some protection without the threat of PFAS.
- Keeping and maintaining existing gear to extend its lifespan, rather than frequently replacing items.
- When purchasing new items, prioritize products that use the least harmful alternatives available.
- Supporting brands that are transparent about their materials and actively working to develop safer, more sustainable solutions.
Remember, there's no perfect solution yet, but every step towards reducing our reliance on harmful chemicals is a step in the right direction. By being conscious consumers and advocating for better alternatives, we can contribute to pushing the industry towards more sustainable and safer practices!
Resources
[1] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/exposure-to-pfas-associated-with-increased-blood-lipids-possible-cvd-risk/
[2] https://www.nrdc.org/bio/katie-pelch/public-health-risks-pfas-related-immunotoxicity-are-real
[3] https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/supported/centers/core/spotlight/fertility
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3855514/
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935123018145
[6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405665019300034
[7] https://earth.org/statistics-about-fast-fashion-waste/
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10842600/
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11033125/
[10] https://www.patagonia.com/stories/a-strong-finish/story-133800.html
[11] https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/rei-co-op-raises-bar-for-companies-operating-in-outdoor-industry