Forever Chemicals Crackdown Could Impact Outdoor Gear, Game Meat Consumption

The verdict: Proceed cautiously here.

States and the federal government are heavily cracking down on forever chemicals. 

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous, synthetic chemicals used in consumer products – including outdoor apparel containing durable water repellent (DWR) coatings–that are resistant to water, grease, and stains. But their inability to break down in nature has resulted in heightened fears about possible effects on the environment, humans, and wildlife health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says some PFAS exposure could affect cholesterol, liver function, birth weight, pregnancy in women, and increase one’s likelihood of developing kidney or testicular cancer, for instance.

Back in April, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced first-ever drinking water standards aimed at PFAS pollution. California, Colorado, and New York approved legislation to gradually phase out PFAS in textiles and apparel with limited exceptions. Other states are similarly weighing bills to curb the presence of forever chemicals. 

Given many unknowns of forever chemicals, outdoor enthusiasts should proceed with caution. Why? The EPA’s “PFAS Explained” page conceded it is hard to “efficiently detect and measure PFAS in our air, water, soil, and fish” and determine “how harmful PFAS are to people and the environment.” 

PFAS Crackdown Could Lead to Expensive, Less Functional Gear

The author fly fishing in her Orvis waders near Quantico MCB. | March 2019

Fishing waders, tents, hiking boots, and just about every outdoor item available might contain some amount of forever chemicals. Consumers worried about forever chemicals can seek out alternatives with labels reading “PFAS-free,” “perfluorinated chemicals (PFC)-free,” or “free of fluorinated chemicals.” But seeking out alternatives doesn't come without significant trade-offs to durability, associated costs, and availability of viable alternatives.