Gore-Tex Jackets Are Poisoning The Well, Literally

The Ubiquity of PFAS in Outdoor Gear

PFAS compounds are primarily used in outdoor gear for their water-repellent properties, which allow adventurers to stay dry in harsh conditions. However, studies have shown that PFAS may leach from waterproof products and contribute to contamination in soil and water. For example, a homemade experiment involving a “rain chamber” to simulate prolonged water exposure revealed that a brand-new Gore-Tex jacket shed various PFAS chemicals, including 65 parts per trillion (ppt) of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA is a known harmful PFAS that, while phased out of U.S. production, still appears in imported goods and PFAS-treated products.

Gore-Tex claims that the PFAS in its products is chemically stable and does not shed under normal conditions. The company relies on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes, which they argue remain inert. Yet PFAS compounds are known to be persistent, meaning they do not degrade and instead build up in the environment. Consequently, environmental advocates are concerned that continued use of PFAS-laden gear in natural spaces may be affecting pristine environments, with chemicals seeping into ecosystems and impacting water quality.

Tracking PFAS Contamination in Water Sources

PFAS contamination isn’t confined to cities or areas near manufacturing plants; it has become an almost unavoidable environmental reality. In a recent investigation, water samples were taken from a variety of sources, including urban tap water, a major reservoir, the ocean, and a remote high-altitude stream. Each source returned detectable levels of PFAS. For instance, tap water in Denver showed 5 ppt of PFOA, while the city’s main reservoir contained 1.3 ppt of both PFOA and PFOS, another widely known toxic PFAS.

Most surprisingly, even water from a high-altitude stream—accessible only by an hours-long hike away from human activity—showed traces of PFAS. In this remote sample, tests identified 4.7 ppt of perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), a PFAS variant that can evaporate and travel through precipitation. This chemical’s presence in such a remote location is evidence of PFAS’s far-reaching impact, with these compounds spreading through water cycles and eventually settling into ecosystems that are otherwise free from human interference.

Health Implications and PFAS in Drinking Water

PFAS contamination in drinking water presents significant health risks, with studies linking exposure to serious illnesses, including cancer, liver disease, thyroid disorders, and developmental issues. This year, the EPA established enforceable standards for PFOA and PFOS, specifically limiting levels to under 4 ppt. According to the EPA, this minuscule concentration—equivalent to a few drops in several Olympic-sized swimming pools—is enough to pose a serious risk to human health, underscoring the dangers associated with these persistent chemicals.

The Outdoor Industry’s Role in PFAS Pollution

The outdoor industry has been a notable user of PFAS, given the chemical’s capacity to repel water, oil, and stains—qualities highly valued in outdoor gear. Rain jackets, tents, pants, and sleeping bags are frequently treated with a DWR finish that relies on PFAS to ensure waterproofing. Since these features are essential for outdoor enthusiasts, brands have continued to use PFAS, citing consumer demand for high-performance products that withstand extreme conditions. The discovery of PFAS leaching from waterproof gear raises concerns that users may inadvertently be introducing these chemicals into sensitive environments as they explore backcountry trails, streams, and wilderness areas.

Steps Toward PFAS-Free Products and Regulation

With growing awareness, some outdoor brands and lawmakers are working to address PFAS pollution. Both California and New York have passed legislation restricting PFAS use in consumer products, including outdoor apparel. Retailers like REI have pledged to stop selling products containing PFAS, exerting pressure on major brands such as Gore-Tex to find alternatives. Gore-Tex has already announced plans to develop a PFAS-free membrane called ePE, which promises to be as waterproof as its PFAS-based products.

Still, phasing out PFAS completely is a complex process. Manufacturing processes for outdoor products often involve cross-contamination risks, making it challenging for brands to guarantee that items are entirely PFAS-free. Brands such as Fjällräven have stopped using PFAS intentionally, though they acknowledge that trace amounts may still exist due to contamination of production equipment.

PFAS chemicals have provided durability and performance benefits that outdoor enthusiasts have come to rely on, but the cost to health and the environment is high. With PFAS now detected in even the most remote streams, the “forever” in “forever chemicals” is proving true in troubling ways. As the outdoor industry transitions toward PFAS-free products, consumers have an opportunity to drive this change by supporting eco-friendly alternatives. Awareness, proactive legislation, and consumer choices are all critical steps toward reducing PFAS pollution in water sources, ultimately protecting both public health and the natural world.

What Individuals Can Do to Help Reduce PFAS Pollution

Consumers also play a role in reducing PFAS pollution by making informed choices about the products they purchase. Opting for PFAS-free gear, supporting brands that are committed to safer alternatives, and pushing for policy changes are all ways individuals can contribute to a cleaner environment. Additionally, those concerned about PFAS contamination in their water sources can advocate for improved water filtration systems in communities. Technologies like reverse osmosis filters, which effectively reduce PFAS levels, can be installed at home to help ensure safer drinking water. Whole-home water conditioners also help by filtering out various contaminants, offering a practical solution for those looking to minimize their PFAS exposure.

Source: MyLifeOutdoors