Leggings are a favorite choice for many who work out, but some may carry a hidden health danger. Concerns are rising about “forever chemicals” called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) found in several popular activewear brands, reports The Cut.
What’s especially worrying is that these chemicals have been detected in the crotch area of leggings—a very sensitive and absorbent part of the body.
Many consumers are throwing away expensive workout clothes, not because they don’t work well, but because toxic chemicals were discovered in the fabric. A wellness influencer’s viral video exposed that top brands use PFAS to make leggings water- and stain-resistant. But research links these chemicals to serious health problems, including hormone disruption, thyroid issues, reproductive harm, and cancer.
The crotch area’s high absorption rate makes the presence of PFAS there particularly alarming. The influencer declared, “I’m not about to risk my health for a pair of leggings,” sparking a widespread conversation about “toxic leggings.” Many people are now reconsidering which brands they trust.
This issue affects anyone who wears athletic clothes daily or for long periods. Wearing PFAS-containing clothes close to the skin increases health risks. Beyond hormone problems, long-term exposure can weaken the immune system, raise pregnancy blood pressure, and cause developmental delays in children.
PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment. They pollute water and soil, creating lasting damage. Now, more attention is turning to the risks these chemicals pose to personal health.
People are questioning why such harmful substances are allowed in everyday products, from food containers to beauty items.
Some states have started banning PFAS in textiles, and some companies are phasing out these chemicals voluntarily. Still, real change depends on informed consumers demanding safer products and transparency from brands. Every purchase is a chance to choose health over hidden dangers.
