Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are widely used in the textile industry due to their water-, oil-, and stain-resistant properties. Their chemical stability, resulting from strong carbon–fluorine bonds, makes them highly persistent in both the environment and the human body. Recent research highlights growing concern about their presence in everyday clothing and the associated health risks.
Textiles represent a significant source of PFAS exposure. According to the European Environment Agency, these substances are commonly found in waterproof garments, sportswear, and uniforms. A recent study detected PFAS in approximately 88% of tested textile samples. The study also found that dermal absorption may increase in the presence of sweat, suggesting that everyday use can facilitate exposure through skin contact.
The health effects of PFAS exposure are increasingly documented. Research summarized by Johns Hopkins University links PFAS to immune system suppression, endocrine disruption, elevated cholesterol, and developmental effects in children. Additional evidence from the Natural Resources Defense Council associates PFAS exposure with increased risks of kidney and testicular cancers. Furthermore, a 2025 study from the University of Southern California identified a specific PFAS compound as a potential risk factor for liver disease in adolescents.
Natural fibers such as tightly woven cotton and wool, along with synthetic membranes like polyurethane and expanded polyethylene, are increasingly adopted as safer substitutes, offering adequate performance for everyday use while avoiding the long-term health and environmental risks associated with PFAS.
Assistant Lecturer at the University of the Basque Country