Out With the Old: 'Forever Chemicals' Get the Snip from Clothing

It's a garment revolution; the infamous forever chemicals, or PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances), are gradually being kicked out of clothing, especially raincoats and related products, in Canada. Also marked with the unflattering title of 'toxic forever chemicals,' these hard-to-break accumulators have been staples in a plethora of products from waterproof clothes to food packaging and makeup. It's not just the label; PFAS's extended stay in our systems and environments, and connections to an increased risk of cancers and metabolic disorders, are inciting worldwide concern and action.
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Under the Hood: All about PFAS and the New Rules of Play

Two U.S. states stepped into 2025 armed with laws restricting PFAS in clothing. New York now prohibits the sale of apparel with intentionally added PFAS, except professional uniforms protecting against health or environmental risks and outdoor clothing specifically for extreme wet conditions. Meanwhile, California also rallied against PFAS, banning its use in an extended list of textile items which include upholstery, bags, and bedding with a few exceptions.

Knocking on Canada's Door: How is PFAS Restriction Playing Out Here?

Now, this clothing shake-up is resonating outside the U.S. These new rules, combined with Europe's banning of water-soluble PFAS - known for easy absorption into the body - in products, are pushing the Canadian industry to side-eye PFAS. Canada has responded to the call too. PFAS, especially the most studied versions (PFOS, PFOA, and LC-PFCAs), has found its way to the prohibition list in Canada. And Canadian restrictions have proven useful in ousting PFAS from makeup since 2021.

Current Conundrum: Where Can Canadians Still Find PFAS?

However, ditching PFAS entirely might take more time. Despite the drop in PFAS use in products such as raincoats and feminine hygiene items, paper containers like straws and takeout bowls still house this notorious chemical. The PFAS-free way to go for paper container seekers is to choose ones with corporate branding, as most fast-food brands have pledged alliance to the PFAS-free movement. As for ready-to-pop popcorn lovers, opt for bags stamped with "PFAS free."

The Road Ahead: What Are the Alternatives to PFAS?

Products that were formerly fashioned from PFAS-based fabrics, like Gore-Tex jackets, have now moved to polyethylene-based fabric, a reportedly stronger, thinner, and non-toxic alternative with a lower carbon footprint. In place of PFAS coatings, waterproofing solutions now include an array of options like waxes, silicones, and polyurethane. Among these, paraffin wax has gained accolades for being the safest.

Looking Inward: Should You Toss Your Old PFAS-Coated Garments?

Put your trash bags back; there's no need to throw out your cherished old raincoats yet. The manufacturing stage of PFAS products, which requires raw PFAS materials, poses a more substantial risk than the product itself.

On the Front Foot: Steering Clear of PFAS Products

Going PFAS-free might be overwhelming for consumers, but with organizations like Green Science Policy continuously updating their PFAS-free product list, it is looking easier. Here's hoping for a healthier, chemical-free future.

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