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PFAS in Clothing

Applied Technical Services (ATS)
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PFAS in Clothing
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Applied Technical Services (ATS)
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PFAS in Clothing
A small child in yellow rain boots jumps in a puddle.

PFAS in Clothing

Applied Technical Services tests for potentially harmful PFAS in clothing in our A2LA-accredited chemical testing lab. Our experts test a variety of apparel for PFAS, the synthetic class of poly- and per-fluoroalkyl chemicals often used to make materials waterproof and resistant to oils and stains. We offer professional and thorough analysis as ongoing research reveals the negative effects PFAS can have on consumers.
PFAS Exposure and Effects
The tough carbon and fluorine bonds that historically made the chemicals useful in clothing prevent PFAS from biodegrading like other materials. PFAS can enter the food chain through pollution, groundwater, and compost, eventually reaching the raw materials for textiles.
Numerous studies have concluded that people can absorb PFAS through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Babies, toddlers, and young children are highly vulnerable to PFAS exposure from putting PFAS-containing products in their mouths.
Once inside the human body, PFAS can affect various bodily systems. Research has linked PFAS bioaccumulation with liver, cardiometabolic, immune, reproductive, and developmental effects. Based on contemporary research, the EPA has concluded PFOA and PFOS chemicals are likely carcinogens.
PFAS Regulation Compliance
ATS helps clients comply with PFAS-limiting and prohibiting regulations. As awareness of the health impacts of PFAS grows, governing organizations and advocacy groups have pushed for restrictions, such as limiting PFAS in product manufacture and treatment, classifying PFAS as hazardous substances, or requiring manufacturers and distributors to label products containing regulated PFAS.
PFAS are currently unregulated at the federal level in the United States, but the EPA has set a roadmap for increased research and clearance by the end of 2024. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates clothing and apparel for the general public.* As such, any future PFAS regulations will apply to companies responsible for manufacturing, importing, and selling the following:
  • Shirts and dresses
  • Pants and skirts
  • Bodysuits and overwear
  • Underwear
  • Footwear (boots, fireproof footwear)
  • Overwear (jackets, coats)
  • Accessories (gloves, hosiery, hats)
  • Children’s products (clothing, bibs, linen)

*Children’s products include apparel for children under twelve and are subject to additional regulations.

In the meantime, several states have adopted or proposed regulations for textiles such as clothing and apparel containing PFAS:
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Illinois
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Washington

Companies may also voluntarily phase out or prohibit the use of PFAS out of concerns for consumer safety, environmental pollution, and cognizance of the latest research.

PFAS Testing and Analysis
ATS is a CPSC-approved lab accredited to analyze children’s products for compliance with safety regulations. Our experts can follow official testing methods released by ASTM, EPA, and other organizations. Companies can submit clothing samples to our qualified third-party lab for PFAS analysis. We can uncover PFAS intentionally or unintentionally introduced to products during manufacture or treatment.
ATS provides targeted and non-targeted analysis of products for common PFAS, including PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFHxS. In 2023, the CPSC released a database based off EPA research that included 16,229 identified PFAS, with at least 863 PFAS in consumer products such as clothing.
When ATS analyzes the contents of clothing samples, we can use two powerful testing methods:
  • Ion Chromatography (IC)screens for known PFAS chemicals in a composite substance
  • Liquid Chromatography and Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) isolates and quantifies PFAS concentrations for mass analysis
55+ Years of Excellence
ATS has served clients in a variety of industries for over fifty-five years. We offer consulting engineering, testing, inspection, and calibration services to national and international clients. ATS prioritizes high-quality customer service and responsiveness.
Now leading a growing Family of Companies (FoC), we help dozens of firms align their capabilities to fulfill customer needs. The ATS FoC operates out of locations in 25 states, able to reach clients for field services and take shipments of samples for testing in one of our qualified labs.
Our super lab complex at our Marietta headquarters maintains the following accreditations:
  • ISO/IEC 17025 calibrations and chemical, electrical, mechanical, and nondestructive testing
  • ISO 9001:2015
  • 10 CFR Part 21 and Part 50 – Appendix B
  • ASME NQA-1
Contact Us
For more information, call +1 (888) 287-5227. Call or submit the form on this page to sign up for professional testing today.

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