Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into fitness giant Lululemon over cancer-linked ‘forever chemicals.’
Paxton said Monday he is seeking records on whether the company’s athletic wear contains PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals.’
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are toxic chemicals that don’t break down in the body, instead leeching from nonstick cookware, waterproof textiles and takeout containers into food and the skin and building up in vital organs, increasing the risk of organ failure, reproductive complications and some forms of cancer.
Virtually all humans are exposed to PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals,’ on a regular basis, going back to even before birth.
The inquiry centers on whether Lululemon misled consumers about the safety and makeup of its products by selling apparel that may contain PFAS.
‘The company markets itself as a wellness-focused lifestyle brand emphasizing sustainability and performance,’ Paxton wrote.
‘However, emerging research and consumer concerns have raised questions about the potential presence of certain synthetic materials and chemicals compounds in their apparel that may be associated with endocrine disruption, infertility, cancer and other health issues.’
Paxton did not specify which products he was speculating had PFAS or specific evidence pointing to the contaminants in Lululemon’s products.
When approached for comment, a Lululemon company spokesperson told the Daily Mail: ‘Lululemon does not use PFAS in its products. The company phased out the substance in FY23, which had been used in durable water repellent products, a small percentage of our assortment.
‘The health and safety of our guests is paramount, and our products meet or exceed global regulatory, safety, and quality standards. We require all our vendors to regularly conduct testing for restricted substances, including PFAS, by credible third-party agencies to confirm ongoing compliance.
‘We are aware of the inquiry from the Texas Office of the Attorney General and are cooperating by providing the requested documentation.
More information on our policies, including our Restricted Substances program, is publicly available on our website.’
