PFAS Bans for Clothing Are Here: What to Know About These "Forever Chemicals"
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From raincoats to food packaging, PFAS — also known as "forever chemicals"— can be found almost everywhere. When it comes to clothing, these long-lasting chemicals are used to repel water and stains, but they’ve also been linked to potential health risks. However, with new bans taking effect in certain states, including New York and California, PFAS in clothing may soon be a thing of the past.
But how worried should you be about PFAS in clothing — and do the bans mean you should throw out your old raincoats? Here's what experts say about the risks of PFAS, how to spot them in apparel and what you can do to reduce exposure if you're concerned.
What are PFAS?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals that are present is many everyday items — and they're also routinely detected in air, water, soil and even fish.
“PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in commercial products since the 1940s,” says Nicole Dezial, Ph.D., MHS, associate professor of epidemiology in environmental health sciences at Yale School of Public Health. “Sources can include drinking water, nonstick cookware, water- and stain-resistant clothing, cleaning products and firefighting foams.”
Why is there concern around PFAS?
Research is ongoing, but the concern is that PFAS could be harmful at high exposure levels. “Most people have PFAS in their bloodstream,” says Dr. Deziel. “However, many PFAS do not break down easily, and several have been linked to health issues, including increased cholesterol, reduced vaccine effectiveness, altered thyroid hormones and possible cancers.” According to information previously released by the EPA, additional health risks may include decreased fertility, hypertension during pregnancy and developmental delays in children.
One challenge is that PFAS are difficult to research and track. There are thousands of different PFAS, but most studies to date have only focused on examining a few types. Additionally, exposure levels vary by age, time and individual circumstances, making it hard to determine their exact risks.
What are the bans against PFAS in clothing?
As of January 1, 2025, the state of New York has banned the sale of most apparel intentionally containing PFAS. (Outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions is exempt from the ban until January 1, 2028.) California enacted a similar ban starting in January 2025, while Colorado is also phasing in restrictions, specifically targeting outdoor clothing designed for very wet conditions, with a requirement that manufacturers disclose the presence of PFAS in these items.
Starting in 2026, more states — including Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecticut — are set to prohibit PFAS in textiles and clothing. Additionally, Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington and Tennessee have pending legislation for similar restrictions.
Also, earlier this year, the EPA finalized a rule to "prevent companies from starting or resuming the manufacture or processing of 329 per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have not been made or used for many years without a complete EPA review and risk determination."
What types of clothing contain PFAS?
PFAS are used in a wide range of clothing — a recent multi-organization study found that of a batch of tested coats, swimsuits and t-shirts, 64% contained PFAS — though certain categories are more likely to contain them than others. This includes — but is not limited to — outdoor gear such as raincoats, hats, mittens and ski or hiking wear. “Generally, apparel with any sort of water- or stain-repellent finish may contain PFAS,” says Emma Seymour, associate director of the Textiles Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
But one issue is that consumers often can’t tell whether a garment contains PFAS. “Accurate statistics for the percentage of clothing that contains PFAS are not available because these chemicals do not necessarily appear on the labels, and products are not routinely tested for these substances,” says Dr. Deziel.
Cross-contamination is also a concern in factories that produce multiple types of clothing, which makes it even more challenging to say for sure which clothes contain PFAS and which don't. (This is why some labels state that products are made without added PFAS, rather than claiming they are "PFAS-free.") “If the label lists chemicals with ‘fluoro’ or ‘perfluoro’ in their names, that’s another indicator — though these chemicals don’t always appear on labels,” says Dr. Deziel.
One encouraging trend is that many outdoor apparel companies are actively moving away from PFAS. Brands like Patagonia and L.L. Bean have already committed to eliminating these chemicals from new products. To check on a brand's current PFAS standing, visit EthicalConsumer.org — a number of brands are already PFAS-free.
What to do if you’re worried about PFAS in clothes
If you suspect your favorite raincoat contains PFAS, and you're wondering if you should ditch it, the answer depends on your comfort level. “The greater risk of PFAS exposure comes from drinking water or food, rather than skin contact with an old rain jacket,” says Seymour. “It’s up to you if you want to continue using your coat.”
But before you immediately toss your jacket, consider how you wear it. “A PFAS-containing raincoat typically doesn’t come into direct contact with your skin, as it's worn over other clothing,” notes Dr. Deziel. “If you were to throw it away, then it contributes to waste and PFAS in landfills, so while it's worth considering for future purchases, if you already own a water-resistant raincoat, you may want to wear it as long as possible to reduce environmental impact.”
Washing a PFAS-treated garment may help, though. “Some studies have found that PFAS concentrations in fabrics were significantly reduced after laundering, particularly in warm water,” says Dr. Deziel. However, there’s a trade-off. “While this would reduce the potential for direct skin contact, it also means that PFAS are released into wastewater, where they persist in the environment since many don’t readily degrade.”
How to ensure new clothes are PFAS-free
Before buying that new raincoat, look for brands that commit to eliminating PFAS. “Because PFAS can be found in clothing through cross-contamination, brands must commit to ‘no intentionally added PFAS,’” says Seymour. That said, trace amounts may still be present. “Supply chain issues can result in small amounts of PFAS in the final product,” Seymour explains.
As mentioned, you can also check labels for chemical names containing "fluoro" or "perfluoro," which indicate PFAS. If you're unsure, reach out to the brand directly to ask about their PFAS policies and any third-party certifications confirming their products limit these chemicals.
If you're replacing an old jacket, Seymour suggests checking with the brand to see if they offer a buy-back program or a responsible recycling option to minimize environmental impact.
The bottom line
If you want to reduce your overall PFAS exposure, consider limiting or avoiding products such as PFAS-treated clothing, nonstick cookware, grease-resistant food packaging (like microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers) and using a water filtration system, says Dr. Deziel. Even small changes can help minimize risks and contribute to a safer environment for you and your family.
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