Bras, leggings, t-shirts and shorts are said to contain high levels of bisphenol A.
- Levels of bisphenol A (BPA) up to 40 times higher than the recommended limits have been found in leggings, bras, t-shirts and sports shorts.
- This synthetic chemical, which is an endocrine disruptor, mimics estrogen and can disrupt the functioning of metabolism, growth, development and reproduction.
- “BPA can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream after handling receipts for a few seconds or minutes.”
After alerting to the presence of bisphenol A in sportswear, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) sent legal warnings to eight sportswear brands on Wednesday, May 17, according to CNN. These brands’ leggings, bras, t-shirts and shorts can expose consumers to levels of bisphenol A (BPA) up to 40 times higher than the recommended limits. That’s what the nonprofit, working to protect children and families from harmful chemicals, warned last October.
Bisphenol A, an endocrine disruptor found in sportswear
Their investigation revealed that the presence of bisphenol A had been identified in garments made from polyester and elastane, including in baby socks. According Léon Bérard Cancer Center, this synthetic chemical substance is an endocrine disruptor. It mimics estrogen and can disrupt normal body function, including metabolism, growth and development, and reproduction, the Center for Environmental Health said.
This substance “can be absorbed through the skin and end up in the bloodstream”
“Even low levels of exposure during pregnancy have been associated with a range of health problems in children. These problems include abnormal development of the mammary glands and ovaries which can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer or the ovary later in life”, explained Jimena Díaz Leiva, scientific director of the CEH.
“People are exposed to BPA by ingestion or absorption through the skin. Research has shown that BPA can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream after handling receipts for a few seconds or minutes. Sports bras and t-shirts are worn for hours and you’re supposed to sweat in them, so it’s worrying to find such high levels of BPA in our clothes.“, said Kaya Allan Sugerman, director of the illegal toxic threats program at CEH.
