State-level legislation focused on phasing out the use of PFAS in textiles seems to be working, according to new testing data from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The organization’s “No PFAS No Problem” report outlines the reduction in “forever chemicals” in a number of items such as outdoor gear and swimwear.
The NRDC tested more than 100 products purchased in California and New York in 2025—two states with stringent PFAS reduction laws. The testing revealed dramatic drops in PFAS levels compared to previous testing, from thousands of parts per million (ppm) to less than 10 ppm in a matter of years.
“Companies complained that they couldn’t get PFAS out of our raincoats, kids’ products and household textiles, but when states forced their hands, most companies made the change—it shows the laggards can, too,” said Dr. Anna Reade, director of PFAS advocacy at NRDC. “Thanks to these two states, we are getting safer clothes and housewares.”
In 2024, California rolled out legislation that bans the use of PFAS in a range of products, including textiles, juvenile products and food. The law requires manufacturers to phase out the use of PFAS in these products by 2029. New York prohibits sale within the state of any new apparel containing intentionally added PFAS.
NRDC noted particularly significant progress for athletic pants, swimwear, shoes, rainwear and outdoor gear, all of which long relied on PFAS for performance characteristics such as water- and stain-resistance. Reade said the gains apparel brands have made should be replicated in other product categories.
“Since apparel brands were able to find safer alternatives for water- and stain-resistance in textiles, there is no reason that companies producing pet products, tablecloths or reusable diapers can’t make the same switch,” she said.
PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, and they’ve commonly been used for oil-, stain- and water-resistance in textiles. Some of the chemicals belonging to this class have been linked to negative health effects such as birth defects and cancer. In recent years, there has been a greater push to phase the usage of these chemicals out of a number of products, particularly apparel and home textiles.
Several states have enacted regulations against usage of the chemicals, but Reade said that the lack of federal laws governing their usage can make it difficult for consumers who want to buy PFAS-free products.
“Industry lobbyists continue to spend millions of dollars opposing legislation to protect public health from toxic chemicals, predicting disaster if product makers are required to manufacture safer products on any timeline,” she said. “Our analysis debunks industry claims, as we found most categories of textiles made the transition in less than five years. Now we need to take action to stop the unnecessary use of PFAS in other product categories, like cookware.”
Reade said that apparel and footwear brands also should improve transparency for consumers by adequately labeling any product that still contains the chemicals, even in trace amounts, as well as noting if items are PFAS-free.
“Currently people can be concerned about PFAS in their products, but not know if they are purchasing PFAS-free products,” she said. “Disclosures of products being ‘PFAS-free’ can bring peace of mind for consumers. These disclosures should consider the whole PFAS class of chemicals—consumers are not protected if one PFAS is switched for another. “
The report found that significant levels of PFAS were still present in a number of product categories, such as pet accessories, tablecloths and reusable diapers. NRDC’s testing found that every tablecloth analyzed was above the maximum level of PFAS permitted under California law for non-intentional presence (100 ppm). And six of eight pet accessories and five of nine reusable diapers tested above the maximum level of non-intentional PFAS usage.
“Overall, the results from this study are promising—they show that regulations work to protect people and public health,” said Shannon Goff, research associate with NRDC and report co-author. “But more action is needed to ensure people and the environment are protected from the harms of PFAS.”
With alternatives available for water- and stain-resistance, Reade said there’s no excuse for apparel and footwear brands to continue using PFAS in their products. And she hopes to see wider adoption removal and replacement with safer alternatives going forward.
“Any brands or retailers still using PFAS in the production of their apparel or footwear products should phase out the use as quickly as possible,” she said. “Safer alternatives exist for many uses, and in other cases the function PFAS provides is simply not necessary. Furthermore, brands and retailers can work with their supply chain to help transition suppliers away from PFAS comprehensively to minimize the potential for contamination of products and exposures for workers, communities and the environment.”
