Seen vids pop up on your fyp lately giving you the scaries that you’re gym clothes may not be good for you?
I know what you’re thinking…not another health concern to worry about. But hear me out. Maybe it’s time we take a closer look at what actually goes into the fabrics of our fave workout gear. A growing number of studies suggest there are potentially harmful toxins in popular activewear brands. And although it doesn’t sound like a major problem at first…it can actually be pretty life-threatening.
Activewear made from synthetic fabric is treated with chemicals which, as research shows, can be absorbed through skin. Yikes. So no matter how much working out you’re doing, those health benefits may just be hindered by the toxins lying in the very fabric of your fave workout set.
But don’t freak out just yet. Let’s get granular on the science. We break down what we should be looking out, as well as what brands we can trust for a toxin-free ‘fit.
First thing’s first, what’s the tea on toxins?
Your go-to sports bra or well-worn pair of leggings are likely made from synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, all of which are essentially plastics. These materials are made from petrochemicals and are often formulated with harmful chemical additives like phthalates and bisphenols. Ouch. And new research shows that sweat leaches chemical additives from plastics, meaning those chemicals are then available to be absorbed through our skin. Double ouch.
Let’s talk about “forever chemicals”. Thousands of perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are used in nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing and firefighting foam. Also known as “forever chemicals,” these substances do not break down and can accumulate in our bodies over time.
A 2022 report by Toxic-Free Future, an environmental health research and advocacy organization, found that nearly three-quarters of products labelled as water- or stain-resistant tested positive for them.
@lowtoxlifeguard Toxins in yoga pants?? Yikes… #lowtoxliving #lowtoxlifestyle #lululemon #workoutclothes #pfasdangers #fyp #toxinsinourproducts ♬ original sound – Karin – Hormone Health Coach
The hormone-disruptors
Studies also consider a class of compounds called brominated flame retardants (BFR). BFR is typically used to prevent burning in fabrics, but it can be linked to health issues such as thyroid disease, hormonal disruption and neurological diseases. Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that because sweat contains oil, and oil encourages the chemicals in plastic to dissolve and diffuse, the oil in your body can leach chemicals from the plastics you touch.
In 2022, the Center for Environmental Health, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group based in California, tested activewear and found high levels of chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in those sold by a huge range of popular gymwear brands. BPA is an endocrine disruptor, meaning that it mimics or interferes with the body’s hormones.
What to look out for when you shop
The next time you’re shopping for new activewear, be mindful of labels stating the fabric is water-proof, sweat-proof and flame-proof. Instead, opt for activewear made solely using OEKO-TEX certified fabrics.
Homegrown UAE brand Viren is committed to just that. The new women’s activewear brand is on a bold mission to eradicate toxic chemicals from activewear.
Don’t compromise your health…read the label and shop mindfully this spring. Your skin will thank you.
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