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.’
The company phasing out PFAS was noted in its 2024 impact report.
Paxton said his office’s investigation will review the company’s ‘Restricted Substances List, testing protocols, and supply chain practices to determine whether Lululemon’s products comply with its stated safety standards.’
The company’s Restricted Substances list includes bisphenol-A (BPA), which is used to improve durability and add moisture-wicking in clothing but has been linked to reproductive issues, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer.
Lululemon reported $11.1 billion in net revenue for fiscal year 2025 and has built its brand around premium, wellness-focused athletic wear. The brand’s shares fell by as much as 4.5 percent after Paxton’s announcement.
‘Americans should not have to worry if they are being deceived when trying to make healthy choices for themselves and their families,’ Paxton said. ‘I will not allow any corporation to sell harmful, toxic materials to consumers at a premium price under the guise of wellness and sustainability.
‘If Lululemon has violated Texas law, it will be held accountable.’
Last year, Texas lawmakers introduced a bill to study and limit PFAS use in the state, though the legislation failed. Paxton has previously sued major PFAS manufacturers like 3M and DuPont over alleged long-term deceptive marketing of products containing forever chemicals.
