PFAS

An investigation of different PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) – chemicals which do not break down in nature – has given an insight into the significance of the dermal route as pathway of exposure to a wide range of forever chemicals.

A global manufacturing centre of the fast fashion sector, Bangladesh, with no specific regulations on PFAS, has high levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in its surface and tap water samples, collected from industrial areas that are centres of the textiles industry throughout and around Dhaka.

Researchers are developing a process with alternative substances that can be used to produce environmentally friendly water-repellent textile fibres.

High levels of PFAS from textiles have been detected along Asia's longest river, the Yangtze, posing low to medium ecological risks.

Two studies—one of them recent—have identified the PFAS compounds present in selected turnout gear textiles used by firefighters, how much of each was present, and whether simulated wear and tear increased the amount of PFAS that the textiles released. 

New limit value for the total fluorine content in PFAS, active risk identification for microplastic release in manufacturing processes and leather materials traceability feature are among the new regulations issued by the Oeko-Tex Association.

A painstaking, exhaustive analysis of documents by University of California (UC) researchers has revealed that the chemicals industry used all nefarious tactics in the playbook to delay public awareness of PFAS toxicity and, in turn, delay regulations governing their use.

Waking up to the potential adverse health impacts associated with PFAS exposure, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has for the first time included per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) as a class of chemicals in its latest Restricted Substance List (RSL).

The Effluent Guidelines Program Plan by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a critical next step to tackle pollutants like PFAS and nutrients at the source, before they can harm our health and the environment. 

Brands across spectrum are under fire. A research has now found that five popular tampon brands in the US — including two advertised as organic — have detectable levels of fluorine.