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Texas AG Probes Lululemon Over "Forever Chemicals" in Apparel

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into athletic apparel company Lululemon over whether its products contain PFAS, known as "forever chemicals." The probe will examine if the company's marketing as wellness-focused misled consumers about product safety and health impacts. Lululemon states it does not use PFAS and had phased them out in 2023, previously using them only in a small range of water-repellent items. The company says it is cooperating with the inquiry and that its products meet global safety standards.

Key Points: Texas Investigates Lululemon for PFAS in Athletic Wear

  • Probe over PFAS "forever chemicals"
  • Examines if marketing misled consumers
  • Company says it phased out PFAS in 2023
  • Review of testing and supply chain
  • PFAS linked to potential health risks
2 min read

Texas attorney general launches probe into athletic apparel company over possible PFAS presence

Texas AG Ken Paxton launches probe into Lululemon over possible PFAS "forever chemicals" in products, examining marketing and safety claims.

"does not use PFAS in its products and has phased out the substances - Lululemon"

Texas, April 15

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Canadian athletic apparel company Lululemon over whether its products contain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as "forever chemicals."

Paxton has issued a Civil Investigative Demand to the company's US subsidiary, as part of a probe into whether the company has misled consumers about the safety, quality and health impacts of its products, according to a statement released by his office on Monday.

The investigation will examine whether Lululemon's athletic apparel contains PFAS that health-conscious consumers would not expect based on the brand's marketing as a wellness- and sustainability-focused company.

The attorney general's office will also review the company's Restricted Substances List, testing protocols and supply chain practices to assess whether its products comply with its stated safety standards, reports Xinhua news agency.

Lululemon said in a statement that it does not use PFAS in its products and has phased out the substances in fiscal year 2023, noting that they had previously been used in a small portion of water-repellent products.

The company said its products meet or exceed global regulatory, safety and quality standards, and that it requires vendors to conduct regular third-party testing for restricted substances, including PFAS, to ensure ongoing compliance.

Lululemon also said it is aware of the inquiry and is cooperating by providing the requested documentation.

PFAS are a group of over 14,000 synthetic chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Studies suggest that exposure to some PFAS might result in harmful health outcomes, including cancer, increased cholesterol levels and immune system effects.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move by Texas AG. Big brands often get away with misleading marketing in India too. We need similar strong consumer protection here. Many of us buy imported activewear assuming it's safer. Time to be more careful and maybe support local athleisure brands that are transparent.
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Aman W
Honestly, not surprised. The "wellness" branding is often just a marketing gimmick to charge premium prices. I appreciate the probe, but the real issue is the lack of global standards. Chemicals banned in one country end up in products sold elsewhere. We need universal safety regulations.
S
Sarah B
As a fitness enthusiast, this is alarming. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" for a reason—they don't break down. If Lululemon has phased them out, that's good, but the investigation needs to verify their claims. Consumers have a right to know what's in the clothes they wear for hours during exercise.
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Karthik V
While the probe is necessary, let's not jump to conclusions. The company says they've phased it out and are cooperating. Due process should be followed. Many Indian manufacturers use far worse chemicals with zero oversight. At least there is some accountability in this case.
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Nisha Z
This is why I stick to trusted cotton fabrics for most of my workouts. These high-tech synthetic materials always have some trade-off. Health should come before fancy water-repellent features. Hope this makes all sportswear companies more honest about their ingredients. 👍

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