The Texas Attorney General’s Office, headed by Ken Paxton, launched a investigation into sportswear brand Lululemon to determine if some of its products could contain PFAS, known as “forever chemicals”.
The announcement does not imply, for now, that the garments on sale are dangerous or that there is a recall from the market. It is a ongoing investigation to evaluate whether there was use of these substances and whether the company complied with its transparency commitments in front of consumers.
What are “forever chemicals” and why are they of concern?
PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of chemicals used for decades for their resistance to water, stains, and heat.
According to the Environmental Safety Company (EPA), these chemicals are called “everlasting” because they do not break down easily in the environment or in the human body, which can lead to buildup over time.
Studies cited by health agencies have linked prolonged exposure to certain PFAS with possible adverse effects. Some of them can be serious. For example, hormonal alterations, liver problems, risks to the immune system and even association with some types of cancer (in high exposure contexts).
Something important: the risk depends on the dose and exposure, not on occasional contact.
What exactly is Texas investigating?
General Prosecutor Ken Paxton issued a request for civil investigation (“CID”) to Lululemon USA Inc. (“Lululemon”) as part of an investigation to determine whether the company has misled consumers about the safety, quality and health effects of its products.
The investigation announced by Ken Paxton’s office points to two main aspects:
- Whether Lululemon products contain PFAS or have contained them in the past.
- Whether the company correctly communicated this information to consumers.
The focus is not only health, but also commercial: if there was advertising or labels that could be misleading.
“Americans should not have to worry about being deceived when trying to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I will not allow any corporation to sell harmful and toxic materials to consumers at an exorbitant price under the guise of wellness and sustainability. If Lululemon has violated Texas law, it will be held accountable.”
According to the official press release, “Lululemon is a leading activewear brand that generated more than $11 billion in fiscal year 2025 alone. The company promotes itself as a wellness-focused lifestyle brand, emphasizing sustainability and performance. However, recent research and consumer concern have raised questions about the possible presence of certain synthetic materials and chemical compounds in their clothing, which could be associated with endocrine disruption, infertility, cancer and other health problems.
For its part, Lululemon denied the actual use of PFAS in its products and assured that it has progressively eliminated these compounds from its production chain in recent years. The company also indicated that it is collaborating with authorities in the investigation.
The case is not isolated. In recent years, PFAS became a central issue in the US.with investigations and regulations that range from drinking water to mass consumption products.
Organizations like the Environmental Safety Company They have reinforced controls and recommendations, while several states move forward with their own regulations.
The trend is clear throughout the country, and in the most diverse areas: greater scrutiny of chemicals in everyday products.
What it means for consumers in the US
For those who buy sports clothing — including brands popular among the Latino community — the research raises questions, but does not imply immediate alarm.
The important thing is that there is no official product recall and that the presence of PFAS in current clothing has not been confirmed. The investigation is in the initial stage.
However, specialists recommend paying attention to product labels and descriptions, “water resistance” or “stain-proof” claims.
How to reduce exposure in daily life
Although the risk from clothing is only part of the problem, there are general measures that can help reduce exposure to PFAS:
- Avoid products with unnecessary chemical treatments.
- Ventilate spaces and wash new clothes before using them.
- Learn about materials and manufacturing processes.
The Texas investigation into Lululemon does not confirm an immediate risk, but it does reflect a growing concern in the US. The focus is no longer just on what we buy, but on what is in the products we use every day.
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