A new investigation into Lululemon is drawing attention to a much larger issue already affecting communities across North Carolina: exposure to PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his office is investigating whether Lululemon’s clothing contains PFAS and whether the company misled consumers about the safety of its products. The probe will also review the company’s testing protocols, supply chain practices and marketing claims.
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PFAS — short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are a class of synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of products, including some clothing, for their water- and stain-resistant properties. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment and can build up in the human body over time.
Company response
In a statement, Lululemon said it does not use PFAS in its apparel and phased out the chemicals in 2023.
“The company phased out the substance in FY23, which had been used in durable water-repellent products, a small percentage of our assortment,” a spokesperson said. “We require all our vendors to regularly conduct testing for restricted substances, including PFAS, by credible third-party agencies to confirm ongoing compliance.”
How much risk comes from clothing?
While PFAS have been found in some consumer products, including textiles, experts generally say exposure from clothing is considered limited compared to other sources.
The primary concern, researchers say, is long-term exposure through drinking water and certain foods, where PFAS can accumulate at higher levels over time.
Health studies have linked PFAS exposure to increased risks of some cancers, hormone disruption, fertility issues and immune system impacts.
A bigger issue in North Carolina
In North Carolina, PFAS contamination has been documented in drinking water systems across the state, with some of the highest concentrations tied to the Cape Fear River basin and years of industrial discharge.
State officials have estimated that millions of residents are served by water systems with detectable levels of PFAS, raising ongoing concerns about long-term health impacts and the need for stronger regulation.
The issue has been especially prominent in communities downstream of the Chemours Fayetteville Works facility, where contamination has been the focus of years of testing, lawsuits and regulatory action.
Public hearings in North Carolina
Now, state regulators are considering how to address PFAS pollution moving forward.
The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission is holding a public hearing on Monday, April 20, in Raleigh on proposed PFAS rules for wastewater discharges.
Critics argue the draft rule would largely allow polluters to monitor and report their own PFAS levels, without enforceable limits or penalties for releasing the chemicals into waterways that feed drinking water supplies.
The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Archdale Building in downtown Raleigh, with sign-in beginning at 5 p.m. Members of the public can provide comments in person.
Written comments may also be submitted via email to publiccomments@deq.nc.gov with the subject title “PFAS minimization” through June 15.
The EMC is also holding a hearing in Wilmington at 6 p.m.on April 23 at Wilmington City Hall at Skyline Center, 1st Floor Conference Center, 929 North Front St., Wilmington, 28401.
As scrutiny of PFAS grows — from athleticwear to drinking water — the outcome of those regulatory decisions could shape how North Carolina addresses one of its most persistent environmental health challenges.