What is PFAS

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), comprising more than 4,700 chemicals, are used in textiles to provide wrinkle resistance, water repellence and stain resistance, often marketing fabrics as "easy-care" or "iron-free". These "forever chemicals" create a durable, protective layer, but they do not break down in the environment or human body, posing significant health risks.

Studies show nearly three quarters of water or stain-resistant clothing contains them, yet this does not reach the consumer at the point of purchase. There is no EU-wide mandatory labelling requirement for PFAS in textiles. That must change.

The Risk

In an emergency briefing the European Health Agency (EHA) found that of the well-studied PFAS chemicals, most are considered moderately to highly toxic, particularly for children’s development. Some of the other health impacts of PFAS includes: 

·       Testicular, kidney, and breast cancer

·       Thyroid disease 

·       Reduced response to vaccines 

·       Low birth weight

·       Increased cholesterol 

PFAS chemicals have significant impact on the environment, directly lead to the contamination of water, air, soil, and food. The have also been found to contribute to global warming and ozone depletion.

The cost of PFAS exposure is adding up, a 2026 study by the European Parliament found that current the annual health costs linked to PFAS exposure in Europe amount to around €39.5 billion in 2024, even when considering only four well-studied PFAS compounds.

In addition, soil remediation and water treatment costs are estimated at about €3.8 billion per year. These costs are expected to increase over time as more contaminated sites are identified and addressed.

If the EU continues with no regulatory measures, the costs incurred will have amounted to a total of €440 billion by 2050. 

The Solution

This is not a call for product bans; it is a call to ensure consumers have the information they need to make informed choices about what they put on their skin. It is a call for the same basic transparency that already exists for allergens in food, risk in financial products, and ingredients in cosmetics. We are calling for mandatory PFAS disclosure on all clothing and textiles sold in the EU: on the hang tag, the website listing, everywhere a consumer encounters a product. 

We are asking for your support of mandatory PFAS labelling on all clothing and textile products sold in the EU.

For all media enquiries please email: amie@eco-age.com