Seven out of 14 bras tested have detectable levels of fluorine, an indicator of toxic PFAS, according to a new report from Mamavation.
In 2022, Mamavation, an environmental wellness blog and community, tested sports bras and found evidence of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in sports bras from popular brands including Adidas, Champion and Nike.
This new round of testing, conducted in collaboration with EHN.org, included everyday bras in a range of sizes, materials and support levels.
The testing was conducted by an EPA-certified lab and flagged any clothing that had more than 10 parts per million (ppm) of fluorine. Levels of organic fluorine, which could indicate the presence of PFAS, ranged from 16 ppm to 49 ppm in the bras that had detectable levels.
While the testing doesn’t prove PFAS are in the bras, fluorine is a strong indicator of the “forever chemicals” — which have been linked to a long list of health problems including cancer, birth defects and lower vaccine effectiveness.
It’s unclear what exposure to PFAS through clothing means for humans. However, previous lab research by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that PFAS skin exposure poses similar health risks as ingesting some of these chemicals via food or water.
Brands that had bras with the highest detectable levels of fluorine in Mamavation’s test results included Fruit of the Loom, Nuudii and Woobilly.
Brands that had bras with lower levels of fluorine included Evelyn & Bobbie, Glamorise, Knix and Wacoal.
Brands with no detectable levels of fluorine in the bras Mamavation tested included Bali Intimates, Cottonique, HoneyLove, Leading Lady, Molke, Playtex and Shapermint.
The full results of the testing are available at Mamavation.
The bra testing is part of an ongoing effort by Mamavation and EHN.org to identify PFAS in common consumer products, which has previously found evidence of PFAS in workout and yoga pants, toilet paper, condoms and makeup.
Follow our PFAS testing project with Mamavation at the series landing page.
Want to know more about PFAS? Check out our comprehensive guide.
Have something you want tested for PFAS? Let us know and write us at feedback@ehn.org.