Bisphenol A, commonly referred to as BPA, is a synthetic chemical compound that has been widely used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins since the 1960s. While it is historically known for its presence in food containers, water bottles, and can linings, recent research has confirmed the chemical’s presence in certain items of clothing. This chemical compound, which provides desirable properties like durability and flexibility, has made its way into the textile industry, raising concerns about a new route of human exposure. The main concern centers on the possibility of this chemical transferring from the fabric and into the wearer’s body, particularly from garments worn for extended periods.
The Role of BPA in Textile Manufacturing
BPA enters clothing through various stages of the manufacturing process, primarily associated with synthetic materials. The chemical is intentionally incorporated or appears as a byproduct in synthetic fibers like polyester and spandex. It can be added as an intermediate to improve the durability and lifespan of the fabric, act as an antistatic agent, or utilized in textile coatings and dyes to achieve certain desirable performance characteristics. High levels of BPA are most frequently detected in athletic wear, such as sports bras, leggings, and polyester-rich socks, due to the need for durability, stretch, and specific performance features. Clothing made from recycled polyester, often marketed as eco-friendly, can also contain significant BPA contamination derived from its plastic origins.
Routes of Human Exposure from Apparel
The primary way BPA transfers from clothing to the body is through dermal absorption. This transfer is particularly concerning because clothing, especially undergarments and activewear, is in direct and prolonged contact with the skin. Studies have indicated that BPA can pass through the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream, a process that is often more pronounced with tight-fitting garments. Several physiological factors significantly accelerate the rate of this transfer: sweat acts as a solvent, and increased body temperature opens the skin’s pores, enhancing skin permeability and accelerating the chemical’s uptake. While dermal absorption is the main pathway, tiny fibers or dust carrying BPA can potentially be inhaled or ingested, especially by young children who may mouth their clothing.
Health Implications of Dermal Absorption
BPA is a well-studied compound recognized as an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), meaning it can interfere with the body’s natural hormonal system. Once absorbed through the skin, it can mimic or interfere with the function of natural hormones, primarily estrogen. By binding to estrogen receptors, BPA can disrupt the delicate signaling required for processes like reproduction, growth, and metabolism.
Potential Health Concerns
The biological effects of this hormonal interference are linked to a range of potential health concerns, including reproductive health issues and hormonal imbalances. Exposure to EDCs like BPA has been correlated with potential developmental harm, delayed puberty, and an increased risk of certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer. Dermal absorption of BPA is particularly noteworthy because, unlike ingested BPA which is quickly metabolized by the liver, the dermally absorbed chemical may circulate in the body for a more extended period and bypass some of the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Strategies for Minimizing Exposure
Consumers can reduce their exposure to bisphenols from clothing, starting with material selection. Prioritizing natural fibers, such as 100% cotton, linen, hemp, or wool, reduces the risk, as BPA is predominantly found in polyester and spandex-rich synthetic textiles.
Minimizing Exposure Steps
- When purchasing new garments, especially activewear or items worn closest to the skin, it is recommended to wash them multiple times before the first wear. Washing can help remove some of the surface residues and unbound chemicals.
- It is also advisable to exercise caution with clothing that is heavily marketed for specific performance enhancements, such as being “anti-odor” or “stain-resistant,” as these features often rely on chemical finishing treatments.
- Consumers should look for third-party certifications like OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, which tests for and restricts over 100 harmful substances, including bisphenols, in textiles.
- Changing out of synthetic activewear immediately after a workout is a step to limit contact, as the combination of heat, sweat, and tight compression creates conditions for maximum absorption.