Is your sports bra increasing your risk of heart disease, asthma, and cancer? You’ve heard of the importance of Clean Food and Clean Beauty products, did you know that what you’re wearing can also be greatly impacting your health?
A new report by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) found up to 22 times the safe limit of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), according to standards set in California, in sports bras made by 8 companies including Athleta, Victoria’s Secret PINK, and Nike.
BPA is a well-studied endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen and can lead to negative health effects in the normal way the body functions including reproduction, metabolism and growth and development. BPA exposure has been linked to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, asthma, and cancer. “Even low levels of exposure [to BPA] during pregnancy have been associated with a variety of health problems in offspring,” said Dr. Jimena Díaz Leiva, science director with CEH.
“Studies have shown that BPA can be absorbed through skin and end up in the bloodstream after handling receipt paper for seconds or a few minutes at a time. Sports bras and athletic shirts are worn for hours at a time, and you are meant to sweat in them, so it is concerning to be finding such high levels of BPA in our clothing.” said Kaya Allan Sugerman, Illegal Toxic Threats Program Director at CEH.
In addition to sweat, absorption of these chemicals can be greatly accelerated with sports bras because they are worn on one of a woman’s most porous areas of her body.
Unlike food, you may be surprised to know there is no federal regulation (apart from minor requirements around phthalates, flame retardants, and lead for children) that oversees chemicals used in clothing made outside of the country. (which accounts for 97% of US purchases).
How to Find Better Products
1. Try Certified Clean Activewear
If it's on you, it's in you. Vibrant Body Company sets the standard for Certified Clean™. All of Vibrant’s products meet the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, the highest European benchmark for safety. This means that every component—stitching, dye, and fabric—has been rigorously tested and certified free from harmful substances, ensuring they are safe for human health. We recently introduced our Certified Clean Activewear, now available for preorder. Plus, you can shop with confidence thanks to our 30-Day Wash & Wear Guarantee! "If it's on you, it's in you." Vibrant Body Company sets the standard for Certified Clean™. All of Vibrant’s products meet the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, the highest European benchmark for safety. This means that every component—stitching, dye, and fabric—has been rigorously tested and certified free from harmful substances, ensuring they are safe for human health. We recently introduced our Certified Clean Activewear, now available for preorder. Plus, you can shop with confidence thanks to our 30-Day Wash & Wear Guarantee! SHOP NOW
2. Look for Like-Minded Brands
Look for brands that prioritize clean materials and transparency in their practices. Brands that are transparent will often outline what they’re doing in sustainability practices on their website and social media. Keep an eye out for clothing with OEKO-TEX® and GOTS Certified labels which will help you separate the greenwashing brands from the legitimate brands. These certifications mean that the brand took the extra step to ensure that their products have been tested and verified to be Clean from a third party agency.
3. Keep Away From Certain Keywords
Keep away from any clothing with keywords like “stain-resistant” “waterproof” and “shrink-proof”. A lot of these may contain PFAS (or forever chemicals) that are linked to numerous health concerns including liver damage, immune disorders, cancer and hormone disruption. These “performance fabrics” made with forever chemicals are also terrible for the environment because just like the name insists, forever chemicals are persistent and will accumulate in the environment for future generations.
