Findings: Toxic chemicals in sports bras
It is always alarming to hear that products you use every day may contain dangerous chemicals that could cause you harm. While there are agencies and regulations in place to prevent or reduce this risk, it unfortunately still occurs.
Recent tests and reports found there is a high level of dangerous chemicals in various brands of sportswear. So, what should you know?
What did the report find?
The Center for Environmental Health in California conducted tests on several brands of athletic wear and sports bras – mostly clothing made of polyester and spandex – and found BPA. According to CNN, they tested many popular brands, including, but not limited to:
- Nike
- Athleta
- FILA
- All in Motion
- PINK
The results indicated that the sportswear could expose the individuals wearing them to nearly 22 times the safe amount of BPA.
You may ask: What is BPA?
Perhaps you hear about BPA in the news or see it on labels as you shop. But what exactly is it – and what is the risk?
BPA is short for bisphenol A. It is a chemical that manufacturers use to make many kinds of plastics – and have since the 1950s. In large amounts, BPA is toxic to humans.
For years, the concerns about BPA revolved around food. This is because one of the primary uses of BPA was in containers. The chemicals could potentially seep into the food stored inside them.
However, studies have found that BPA can also be absorbed through your skin. Exposure to BPA, whether ingested or absorbed, could lead to serious health risks, including:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Asthma
- Type 2 diabetes
These health conditions can have life-changing effects for you and your family.
What happens now?
CNN reports these companies received notices to address and fix these violations. However, what can you do meanwhile here in Tennessee? It can help to:
- Look at the materials of your sportswear
- Keep the time you wear sportswear to a minimum
- Buy products that state they are BPA-free
- Monitor your health
It is still too early to determine the long-term effects that the chemicals in sportswear will have, but be aware of these risks and try to protect yourself.