BPA in Clothing: Are Your Clothes Safe?

One thing we do not think about is what is really in the clothing that we wear every day. Neither did I until I learned about BPA in clothing, especially in my sports bras. Like most people, I focused on comfort, price, and style, completely unaware of the hidden chemicals and toxic clothing lurking in my wardrobe.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a stubborn chemical that persists in the environment and can accumulate in human tissues. It is typically associated with plastics, including water bottles and other consumer products.

But more recently, BPA has silently made its way into the textile industry, especially in sportswear, as sports bras and athletic shirts, leggings etc. Shockingly, a 2023 report revealed that clothing could expose you up to 40 times the safe limit of BPA under California law. The rise of fast fashion has contributed to the increased prevalence of BPA in clothing.

But don't panic - let's unpack what clothing items BPA can be found and how to protect yourself!

What is BPA?

BPA, is a synthetic chemical compound commonly found in everyday clothing fabrics like polyester and spandex, and it's used in coatings and dyes during clothing production. Whilst BPA is not a PFAS or 'forever chemical', both of these chemicals persist in the body and the environment. Why? It's known for providing durability, flexibility, and color stability. Unfortunately, BPA can absorb through your skin, especially when exposed to heat and when worn for hours at a time - think athletic wear during a sweaty workout!

Even recycled polyester, noted as a 'eco-friendly' alternative, often contains significant BPA contamination, due to its origins in recycled plastics.

BPA exposure: Health risks

The biggest problem with BPA is that it's an endocrine disruptor, similar to other chemicals found in a wealth of products, including phthalates, formaldehyde, etc. These chemicals mimic estrogen in the body, binding to estrogen receptors in the body, sending incorrect signals in the body, and messing with your natural hormone regulation and endocrine system. This can lead to health issues as:

• Reproductive Harm: BPA has been linked to reduced fertility in both men and women, and a higher risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome in women

• Increased Cancer Risk: Studies have found associations between BPA exposure and increased risk of kidney, prostate, breast and testicular cancers

• Pregnancy complications: High blood pressure during pregnancy has potential risks to fetal development

European Environment Agency states "BPA can harm human health due its properties as an endocrine disruptor, it can alter how the hormone system functions. It can damage the reproductive system and negatively affect the immune system".

How does BPA end up in clothing?

Through the rise of ultra-fast fashion brands, BPA sneaks into our clothes and even children's clothing through:

• Synthetic fibres: Clothing made from polyester, and polycarbonate plastics are the primary culprits

• Recycled materials: Whilst recycling is great for the planet, recycled polyester often has higher BPA concentration dye to the recycling process and processing, such as dye-fixing and heat treatments, causing the BPA to leach out of the fabric

  Fabric coatings and dyes: BPA is added to fabrics to improve durability, water resistance, and the overall 'finish' of the material, especially in activewear

Director of the Illegal Toxic Threats program at the Center for Environmental Health, Kaya Sugerman says "People should not be exposed to toxic chemicals in their clothing. Nor should they bear the burden of knowing which brands could harm your health and which will not".

BPA in Activewear

Activewear is a hotbed for BPA. Synthetic fabrics like spandex and polyester are staples in activewear. A recent study found alarming levels of harmful chemicals, including BPA, in activewear from 19 different brands, including sports bras, gym leggings, and yoga pants. Some exceeded safe exposure limits, with brands like FILA, New Balance, Free People, Activ Pro, and even Patagonia.

Luckily there are non-toxic activewear brands that offer BPA-free gym wear including Reprise activewear, Triples, Pact, Icebreaker etc. ranging from non-toxic sports bras, to cotton leggings etc.

High Risk Groups

When it comes to BPA exposure, some groups of people are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects

• Infants and children - Little ones are especially vulnerable. Their skin is sensitive, absorbing chemicals more easily. Putting their developing bodies at risk to BPA

• Pregnant individuals - Not just you, but your baby is also at a higher risk of the effects of BPA exposure, as it can cross the placenta, potentially affecting fetal development.

• Athletes - The combination of synthetic and coated fabrics is a recipe for heat, sweat, and friction, which can enhance and speed up the release of BPA, making prolonged exposure more concerning.

Legal limits on harmful chemicals like BPA in clothing

Across various countries, regulations on BPA in clothing vary widely. There are wide regulatory gaps highlighted below which increase the need for stronger protection and greater accountability for manufacturers.

• United States: the FDA and EPA primarily focus on BPA in food-related products but overall have minimal oversight on textiles. There are no comprehensive federal regulations limits to use in clothing

• European Union: In contrast, the EU has enforced more stringent restrictions when it comes to BPAs and has enforced bans on BPA in baby clothing and infants, due to their increased vulnerability

• Other countries: Unfortunately, most countries lack specific legal limits for BPA in clothing, which makes consumers vulnerable to increased BPA exposure.

How to Avoid BPA in Clothing: Safer Alternatives

We are all about making smarter choices for our health and the planet, with this in mind. Here's how you can reduce your exposure to BPA whilst maintaining a stylish and sustainable wardrobe:

Reducing exposure to BPA:

• Choosing sustainable fibers and untreated fabrics: opt for wool, hemp, cotton, bamboo, or other untreated natural fibers. These sustainable materials not only kind to your skin but are also free from the hidden risks of synthetic fabrics

• Avoid recycled polyester and heavily coated/dyed fabrics: Recycled doesn't always mean safer. Look for untreated, or minimally processed options.

• Opt for Plant-Based Dyes: Natural dyes extracted from plant materials like teak leaves, coffee leaves, or agricultural waste are gaining traction as replacements for synthetic dyes.

• Look for trusted certifications: Eco-labels like OEKO-TEX or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) are trustworthy guides to ensure your clothes are free from BPA and other harmful chemicals. If you are unsure read the label or ask the brand!

• Embrace resale and upcycling: secondhand clothing and upcycling practices reduce demand for new textiles made with harmful substances like BPA.

When trying to avoid harmful substances like BPA, keep an eye out for terms that include 'BPA-free' or 'chemical-free' and these trusted certifications. These indicators are your shortcuts to safer and smarter labels to look out for when avoiding BPA in clothing

Tips for Caring for Synthetic Clothing:

If you're aware your clothing contains BPA and are not ready to part ways with it, here are some tips when it comes to caring for and minimizing your BPA exposure

• Washing with care: Lower temperatures are better when washing synthetic clothing, as higher temperatures can encourage BPAs and other chemicals to leach out

• Do not skip post-workout laundry: Sweat, heat, and friction can increase the release of BPA from fabrics. Washing workout clothes promptly after exercise can help reduce your exposure

BPA-free clothing: Organic Clothing and Alternatives

Looking to make a clean break from BPA? Luckily, there are amazing brands, that offer organic, natural, and chemical-free clothing options

• Explore organic brands: Look for brands that specialize in organic, untreated, or BPA-free clothing. Many of these brands focus on natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and other natural alternatives. Some brands include Pact, MATE the Label, Tentree, People Tree, etc.

Regulations and The Role of Manufacturers

The clothing industry plays a pivotal role in addressing BPA exposure, and there is a requirement for a push from regulations, advocacy, and consumers demanding change, but there is progress being made:

• Organisations like the Center for Environmental Health have started to take legal actions against brands found to have high levels of BPA in their activewear, holding manufacturers accountable, and ensuring consumer safety by enforcing stricter complaints with current safety standards

• Organizations like Greenpeace, Fashion Revolution, and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) are leading efforts to educate everyone on chemical safety in clothing. Campaigns like #WhoMadeMyClothes encourage consumers to ask brands about their manufacturing processes and push for more transparency.

Key Takeaways

• BPAs are hiding in your wardrobe: Many synthetic fabrics contain BPAs, a chemical that posses serious health risks. BPAs are especially prevalent in activewear

• Health risk of BPA exposure: BPA is an endocrine disruptor linked to hormone imbalances, fertility issues, certain cancers, and pregnancy complications. Prolonged skin contact, heat, and sweat can increase exposure

• Opt for safer choices for your closet: Choose natural fibers like wool, hemp, or organic cotton, and look for eco-certifications like OEKO-TEX and GOTS to ensure BPA-free clothing

• Take care of what you own: Wash synthetic clothes in cooler temperatures and clean activewear promptly after exercise to minimize BPA release and skin contact.

• Push for transparency: Advocacy groups and legal actions are pressuring brands to disclose chemical use and to adopt safer practices. Support brands that prioritize transparency and BPA-free products

FAQ to BPA in clothing

Is BPA in clothing safe?

BPA in clothing is not considered safe because it is an endocrine disruptor that can interfere with the body’s hormonal system. Prolonged exposure, especially through synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex, has been linked to reproductive harm, increased cancer risks, and pregnancy complications. The risk is heightened when BPA-containing clothing is worn during activities that involve heat and sweat, such as exercising, as these conditions can increase BPA absorption through the skin

Can BPA be washed out of clothes?

BPA cannot be entirely washed out of clothing because it is often in the fibers or coatings used during production. Washing synthetic fabrics at lower temperatures may reduce the leaching of BPA but does not eliminate it. Additionally, washing at high temperatures or repeated laundering may cause more BPA to leach out over time, potentially contaminating water systems

Which fabrics contain BPA?

Fabrics most likely to contain BPA include synthetic materials such as polyester, spandex, and other plastics-based textiles. Recycled polyester, often marketed as eco-friendly, can have even higher concentrations of BPA due to its origins in recycled plastics. BPA is also used in coatings and dyes applied to fabrics to improve durability and color stability, making activewear a particularly high-risk category

Can BPA be absorbed through the skin?

Yes, BPA can be absorbed through the skin. Dermal absorption is a significant route of exposure, especially when the skin comes into contact with BPA-containing materials under conditions of heat, sweat, or friction.