The Hidden Toxins in Gym Clothes

Catch up on the latest health news, tips, and trends.

The federal gov is reclassifying marijuana. Whether the FDA approves it for medical treatment is still a mystery.

Deodorant for your entire body: Practical or a marketing scheme? We’ll let you decide.

Menopause might happen in your 50s, but there are simple ways to prep for it in your 30s. Because your to-do list isn’t long enough.

Nestlé just launched a new brand of frozen food — but it’s not for everyone.

If nightmares weren’t bad enough, they could be a sign of a larger health problem. Don’t sleep on it.

PS: Another week, another recall. This time, it’s more than 900,000 Yogi tea bags.

The Hidden Toxins in Gym Clothes

Of all the places you might expect to find harmful chemicals, your closet might not be one of them. But reports about the prevalence of forever chemicals and health concerns over uniforms and children’s clothing, as well as proposed legislation, are making some think twice — especially when it comes to activewear.

Oh, great.

Not all chemicals found in your favorite gym shirt are toxic — but many are. Some of the main culprits (that researchers know about):

• PFAS aka forever chemicals

• Phthalates

• PVC plastic

• BPA

• Disperse dyes

We don't have a more robust list, partly because of the lack of regulations in the US. Some states have passed bills to protect consumers, but there are very few federal laws. Brands don’t have to disclose what’s in their products (except in California) — and sometimes don’t even know what’s in them.

Should I be concerned? 

Probably. Many of the toxins are found in sweat-wicking, water-resistant, anti-wrinkle, anti-odor, and flame-retardant clothing. Particularly activewear. Your skin can absorb many of them, especially if you’re sweating, says Erika Schreder, the science director at Toxic-Free Future. They can also be absorbed by inhaling gasses and dust that come off of clothing, she explains.  

The available research shows these toxins may negatively impact your skin, immune system, fetal development, fertility, and risk of certain cancers. But don’t toss it all just yet — researchers are still trying to understand the health impacts that come from chemicals and what level of exposure is dangerous.

Your move

It’s nearly impossible to completely avoid these chemicals — and that’s not your problem to solve. Schreder says the best solution is government policies that regulate toxins in clothing. Until that happens, you can reduce your exposure by…

• Avoiding clothes that claim to be stain-resistant, anti-odor, anti-wrinkle, sweat-wicking, and water-resistant. 

• Choosing natural fibers like organic cotton, merino wool, and hemp, says Schreder. Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex are typically treated with harmful chemicals.

• Searching brands’ websites for certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and bluesign that verify their clothing is made without many of the known toxic chemicals. 

• Shopping sustainable brands. Fast fashion often means more harmful chemicals. Sustainable options can get $$$, so it may not be within your budget. 

• Voting for lawmakers who support holding clothing makers accountable and protecting consumers.

Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:

I sometimes overshare. Is that a bad thing?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Babita Spinelli

Licensed psychotherapist and life coach

Context matters: “The timing of when one shares, to whom, and how one shares needs to be considered.” 

It can be positive when it…“can cultivate deeper connection, vulnerability, and enhance a friendship or relationship.”

It can be negative when it…“can create discomfort and resentment, [or is seen as] disrespectful.” 

PS: Want to know how to stop oversharing? Read Spinelli’s tips.

Fatigue. Numbness. Tingling. Blurred vision. Difficulty walking.

These are just a few symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic neurological disease that affects nearly one million people in the US. While there's no cure, there are treatment options that may help slow disability progression — and help people living with MS continue to do what they love. More on living with MS, right this way.

We’re here to fact-check health trends, wellness assumptions, and myths. Such as:

Can you get your vitamins from vaping?

Well, actually, there’s not enough research to say. And doctors and the FDA are sounding the alarm about their safety. 

ICYMI: Some people are swapping their e-cigs for wellness vapes. They warm up a liquid concentrate that produces vapor infused with additives like melatonin and vitamin C. The goal: Boost your energy and your immune system or help you get better sleep. 

But “we don't know what happens when vitamins are absorbed through lung tissue,” says family physician Natasha Bhuyan, MD. And inhaling vitamins through vapor “could potentially cause an inflammatory reaction,” she adds.

"DIY poop transplant"

A real thing a woman did to help fight her IBS. In case it needs to be said: Don’t try this at home.