Shop Talk: What’s the deal with PFAS anyway?

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Ever wonder why your shell jacket is so dang good at repelling water and snow? Well, chances are that waterproofing quality is thanks to PFAS-based apparel treatments. PFAS, short for perfluoroalkyls and polyfluoroalkyls, are water-repellent chemicals frequently used in textiles that make water bead up and roll off the surface of the garment. Unfortunately, these chemicals break down very slowly and are often known as “forever chemicals” because they can persist for long periods of time in human bodies and in environmental systems such as watersheds and soils.

PFAS refers to a broad class of chemicals, and there are thousands of individual PFAS chemicals found in a variety of different products across industries, including firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, and packaging ( Outdoor Research ). In the outdoor industry, PFAS chemicals have long been used as a water-proofing treatment on outdoor apparel given their ability to turn a basic product into a water resistant layer. In the snowsports industry specifically, PFAS is also a common ingredient in ski and snowboard waxes.

In the past several decades, there has been increasing concern about how PFAS impacts human health and environmental integrity. PFAS have been linked to negative health effects such as liver damage, cancer, fertility issues, and thyroid disease ( European Environment Agency ). When PFAS are released into the environment, they persist for a long time and can move through water, soil, and air, ultimately leading to groundwater and surface water contamination. A recent study found evidence of PFAS chemicals from ski wax at Austrian ski resorts contaminating snow and soil and underscoring how PFAS-containing consumer products can then drive environmental pollution ( Muller et al. 2023 ).

What PFAS regulations are changing?

As knowledge around the dangers of PFAS chemicals grows, there is an increasing shift to eliminate these chemicals from consumer products. State-level legislation has been the driving force behind these new PFAS regulations. In recent years, California has begun passing bills that ban the sale of products containing PFAS. For example, in 2021 Governor Gavin Newson adopted a bill that banned food packaging containing PFAS above a certain concentration. ( State Water Resources Control Board ). Recently, similar regulations have begun to target forever chemicals in the outdoor industry.

Starting in 2025, California will prohibit the manufacturing and sale of PFAS-containing textiles ( Green Science Policy Institute ), which encompasses outdoor industry apparel. Similarly, Maine has passed a Public Law requiring that products containing PFAS be reported starting at the beginning of 2023 and in 2026 the sale of textiles and ski wax containing PFAS will be prohibited ( Maine Department of Environmental Protection ). New York State is also prohibiting the use of PFAS in outdoor apparel effective January 2025.

What do these regulations mean for the outdoor industry?

For decades, reputable outdoor brands have relied on PFAS as a waterproofing substance in apparel lines, so the statewide bans on PFAS have significant implications on manufacturing and sales across the outdoor industry. Additionally, REI, a major outdoor retailer, announced in 2023 that it will ban PFAS in textile products and cookware effective fall 2024 ( Clean Water Fund ). Traditionally, PFAS has very commonly been applied as a water-proofing material and is prevalent in ski shells, rain jackets, and other water-resistant outerwear. As more regulations prohibiting PFAS come out, brands are facing the challenge of changing their product formulas to PFAS-free alternatives while continuing to uphold the expected performance and functionality of gear.

Nemo Equipment, which produces tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads, has been working on a PFAS-free water repellent coating for its products dubbed OSMO, with several products featuring OSMO already on the market ( Nemo Equipment ). Additionally, Patagonia has committed to converting all water-repellent membranes to PFAS-free alternatives by 2025 ( Patagonia ) and Arc’teryx now has jackets on the market that feature a new PFAS-free GORE-TEX material.

What can you do?

As regulations regarding PFAS come into effect, it's important to stay informed about how your favorite brands and gear you might purchase is evolving. Chances are your ski shell from a few years ago is made with PFAS, so when it’s time to upgrade or replace it, consider doing some research into what new, PFAS-free materials exist. Additionally, taking some time to educate yourself about what materials your favorite pieces of gear are made of can be empowering in helping you align your personal values with your consumer choices. The ultimate goal with eliminating PFAS is to protect and prioritize environmental and human health, and consumers have a part to play by supporting brands as they transition.