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Research on the PFAS release and migration behavior of multi-layer outdoor jacket fabrics
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Researchers tracked PFAS release from DWR-treated outdoor jacket fabrics through aging, abrasion, and washing, finding that prolonged use concentrates perfluoroalkyl acids in inner fabric layers and significantly elevates fluorine and microfiber shedding into wash effluents — levels exceeding current regulatory limits and suggesting current chemical-by-chemical PFAS regulations are inadequate.
Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) release from textiles is a source of human exposure, but the mechanisms behind this release remain insufficiently studied. This research investigates the release and transport mechanisms of PFAS in outdoor jacket fabrics treated with a short side-chain fluorinated polymers (CF-SFPs) for durable water repellency (DWR). PA-based and PET-based fabrics were exposed to outdoor conditions and subjected to accelerated aging, followed by abrasion, washing, and drying experiments to simulate wear and degradation. The fabrics were analyzed for total fluorine (TF) content, PFAS composition, and microplastic fibers (MFs) release. Photocatalytic oxidation was applied to fabric extracts to assess the transformation of PFAS precursors. The results show that aging causes a reduction in TF content and an increase in PFAS migration to inner fabric layers, particularly perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) and n:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH). Extended washing cycles further elevated fluorine release and MF shedding, with significant fluorine detected in the wash effluents and MFs. In summary, PFAS in outdoor jackets after use exceed regulatory limits and are hazardous to the environment. Therefore, setting limits for only a few PFAS is inadequate to assess release hazards. Future efforts should revise regulations based on release pathways, assess toxicity, and develop better prevention technologies.
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Researchers investigated the release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from functional textiles during outdoor weathering in Sydney, finding that PFAS-treated polyamide fabrics release fluorinated compounds into the environment through aging and degradation.
Release of Side-Chain Fluorinated Polymer-Containing Microplastic Fibers from Functional Textiles During Washing and First Estimates of Perfluoroalkyl Acid Emissions
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Researchers quantified fibers released from polyamide and polyester/cotton textiles coated with perfluorohexane-based fluoropolymers during accelerated washing, finding that polyamide fabric released over five times more fibers than polyester/cotton. The study estimated that fluorinated side chains on released fibers would slowly degrade into short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids in the environment, with European outdoor jacket washing contributing up to approximately 0.7 tonnes of fluorotelomer alcohol per year.
Domestic laundry and microfiber pollution: Exploring fiber shedding from consumer apparel textiles
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Researchers measured microfiber shedding from a range of consumer apparel textiles during simulated laundry cycles, finding that fiber release varied substantially by fabric type, construction, and wash conditions, with polyester fleece releasing the most microfibers per wash.
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Washing laminated outdoor apparel fabrics releases microfibers into wastewater, with fabric construction and washing conditions influencing the quantity shed. These findings highlight functional sportswear as a meaningful but overlooked source of microplastic fiber pollution entering aquatic environments.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.