PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Some exercise clothing may be dangerous. Brand new research has found toxic chemicals in certain brands.
BPA, a toxic chemical is found in all kinds of products, mainly plastic. This new research states it’s also in some types of athletic clothing.
Could your workout clothing be harmful? One group says yes, depending on the brand.
BPA, Bisphenol A, is a chemical used to make certain types of plastic. It’s been linked to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, erectile dysfunction and asthma.
Jimena Díaz Leiva is the Science Director for the Center for Environmental Health.
“Even at really low levels of exposure, there can be adverse health effects. So we’re very concerned, ” she said.
The nonprofit consumer advocacy group, Middle for Environment Health, found high levels of BPA in sports bras from brands including, Athleta, PINK, Asics, The North Face, Brooks, All in Motion, Nike and Fila.
The team says BPA can have a big impact even in small doses when it’s absorbed through the skin.
“They alter your hormone the regulation and your own body plus you know, your hormones are responsible for everything for regulating your sleep, your hunger. ” Díaz Leiva said.
The group also tested athletic shirts from the brands, The North Face, Brooks, Mizuno, Athleta, New Balance, and Reebok had similar results.
The high amounts of BPA were only found within polyester-based clothes containing spandex.
“We want people to be more aware. But ultimately we are going to trying to hold these companies accountable, ” Díaz Leiva stated.
So , what can you do in order to protect yourself? First, check your clothing brand name and the particular tag to see what it’s made of. Second, make sure you change after your workout to reduce exposure.
Athleta experienced no comment on the research, we furthermore reached out to the other brands plus to the Nationals Sporting Goods Association, we didn’t hear back.
