New Testing Shows High Levels of BPA in Sports Bras and Athletic Shirts
Scout Impact
Highlights the presence of BPA, a harmful chemical linked to various health issues, in commonly worn athletic apparel, raising concerns about exposure to toxins in everyday clothing.
Key Takeaways
- BPA levels in tested sports bras and athletic shirts were found to be up to 40 times California's safe limit.
- BPA was detected only in polyester-spandex clothing, including infant socks.
- The study emphasizes increased absorption risk due to prolonged skin contact with sweating during physical activity.
Summary
Lab testing commissioned by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) found that polyester-spandex sports bras and athletic shirts from major brands — including Nike, Patagonia, Adidas, Under Armour, Athleta, Champion, Fabletics, Sweaty Betty and others — could expose wearers to bisphenol A (BPA) at levels up to 40 times California's safe limit. BPA is a hormone-disrupting chemical that mimics estrogen and is linked to harms to the reproductive, metabolic and neurological systems. CEH found BPA only in polyester-based clothing containing spandex, including infant socks, and warns that activewear worn for hours against sweating skin heightens the absorption concern. CEH issued legal notices to the brands under California's Proposition 65.