Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic industrial chemical primarily used in making polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is classified as an endocrine-disrupting chemical because it can mimic the body’s natural hormones, potentially interfering with developmental, reproductive, and metabolic systems. While consumers often recognize BPA in food packaging, the chemical is also a concern in the textile industry. Studies confirm that BPA is present in clothing, particularly synthetic fabrics, where it can transfer to the skin through contact. Understanding how BPA is incorporated into textiles is necessary to limit personal exposure from clothing.
How BPA Enters Textile Manufacturing
The incorporation of BPA into textiles is an indirect consequence of modern manufacturing processes designed to enhance fabric performance and durability. BPA is commonly used as a chemical stabilizer during the production of synthetic polymers, such as polyester, the most common synthetic fiber used in clothing. This application helps fibers withstand the high temperatures and high-speed demands of textile production, increasing the material’s lifespan.
BPA also functions as a processing aid during the extrusion and spinning of synthetic fibers like polyester and spandex. It helps reduce static electricity and friction, ensuring the integrity of the filaments and easing the manufacturing process. The chemical is sometimes employed as an antioxidant to prevent the degradation of fabric finishes under the intense heat of modern machinery.
A significant pathway for BPA introduction is through the dyeing and finishing stages of textile production. Bisphenols can be used in dye-fixing agents applied to synthetic fabrics to achieve vibrant, long-lasting colors that resist fading. Additionally, BPA is found in certain textile coatings that impart functional properties like durability and water resistance, often seen in outdoor gear.
The use of recycled materials, such as recycled polyester (rPET) derived from plastic bottles, presents a complication for BPA contamination. Since the original plastic source materials likely contained BPA, the resulting recycled fabric can sometimes have higher residual concentrations. The substance may also be found in plastic components of clothing, such as adhesives, trims, or polyurethane protective agents.
Identifying High-Risk Clothing Types
The presence of BPA is most frequently associated with clothing made from synthetic fibers, which rely on the chemical for structural stability and performance. Fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex (elastane) are considered high-risk materials due to their polymer composition and the treatments they receive. Consumers seeking to reduce exposure should be wary of garments where these materials make up a majority of the fiber content.
Performance and athletic wear represent a particularly high-risk category. These garments are often constructed from polyester and spandex blends for stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and durability. Studies have detected elevated levels of BPA in items like sports bras and athletic shirts, sometimes exceeding regulatory safety limits for dermal exposure. The close, prolonged contact of these garments with the skin, especially during heat and sweat, facilitates chemical transfer.
Garments featuring specialized coatings or treatments are also cause for concern, even if the base fabric is natural. This includes clothing marketed with water-resistant or waterproof finishes, as the chemical coatings used can sometimes contain bisphenols. Similarly, fabrics with heavy plastic prints, such as large logos, may contain BPA residues from the plasticizers used in the printing compound.
Consumers can significantly lower their risk by prioritizing clothing made from natural, minimally processed fibers. Options like 100% organic cotton, linen, hemp, and wool are considered lower-risk alternatives, as they do not require the synthetic stabilizers or dye-fixing agents used in plastics-based textiles. While BPA has been detected in some cotton textiles, concentrations are typically much lower than those found in pure synthetic garments.
Post-Purchase Exposure Reduction Strategies
Even after purchasing clothing, several practical steps can reduce the potential for chemical transfer and dermal absorption. The first and most effective strategy for new garments is to wash them thoroughly before the initial wear. Washing a new item multiple times helps leach out and remove residual surface chemicals, including bisphenols, that were not fully washed off during manufacturing.
When cleaning synthetic garments, use lower water temperatures for washing and drying. High-heat cycles can encourage the release and leaching of bisphenols from the synthetic fibers. While washing cannot eliminate the chemical entirely, as BPA is often embedded within the fiber structure, gentler methods minimize the amount of chemical available for transfer.
Minimizing the duration of skin contact with high-risk items is another effective measure, particularly for athletic wear. Since heat, sweat, and friction increase the rate at which BPA can be absorbed through the skin, change out of workout clothes immediately after exercise. Storing high-risk garments separately from other clothing can also help prevent chemical cross-contamination.
While complete avoidance of BPA in textiles is challenging, consumers can substantially lower overall exposure. This is achieved by using simple cleaning protocols and making conscious choices about fabric type and wear duration.