Some polyester-spandex socks and activewear tested high for BPA
Do this instead
- Socks made mostly of cotton or woolBPA has only been found in polyester-spandex blends so far.
- Change out of activewear after exerciseSweat and tight fabric against skin are the worst case.
- Wash new clothes before kids wear themA simple step that removes some surface chemicals.
The short version
A California advocacy group tested socks, sports bras and athletic shirts made from polyester-spandex blends and found BPA well above California's legal limit. Several brands agreed to reformulate. The finding is about chemicals in the fabric, not microplastics passing through skin.
The evidence
In 2021, the Center for Environmental Health sent legal notices to about 100 sock brands after tests found BPA exposure up to 31 times California's legal limit.[1]
Follow-up tests of 8 sports bra brands and 6 athletic shirt brands found exposure up to 22 times the limit. Some companies signed binding agreements to remove bisphenols or add warnings.[1]
Spot an error or have newer test results? Email corrections@doctorsoni.ca and we'll review it. How we decide verdicts