Texas AG Investigates Lululemon for Potential PFAS in Apparel
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
On April 15, in a significant move, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton initiated an inquiry into the Canadian athletic apparel brand Lululemon regarding the potential presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals."
Paxton has issued a Civil Investigative Demand to the company's U.S. subsidiary, as part of the investigation into whether Lululemon has misled its customers about the safety, quality, and health implications of its offerings, as stated by his office on Monday.
The focus of the investigation will be to determine if Lululemon's athletic wear contains PFAS that consumers, particularly those concerned about health, would not anticipate based on the brand's image as a wellness and sustainability-oriented company.
The Attorney General's office will also scrutinize the company's Restricted Substances List, testing methodologies, and supply chain operations to evaluate compliance with stated safety protocols, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Lululemon responded, asserting that it does not incorporate PFAS in its products and has phased out these substances during the fiscal year 2023, noting that they were previously utilized in a limited range of water-repellent items.
The company emphasized that its products adhere to or surpass global regulatory, safety, and quality benchmarks, insisting that it mandates vendors to perform routine third-party assessments for restricted substances, including PFAS, to guarantee ongoing compliance.
Additionally, Lululemon confirmed its awareness of the investigation and is cooperating by supplying the requested documentation.
PFAS comprises a category of over 14,000 synthetic compounds employed in various industrial and consumer applications, as per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Research indicates that exposure to certain PFAS could lead to serious health issues, including cancer, elevated cholesterol levels, and adverse effects on the immune system.