PFAS-Free Workwear: Health Risks, Benefits, and What You Need to Know

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (more commonly known as PFAS or “forever chemicals”) are a hot topic in workwear safety. Traditionally used to make textiles water-, oil-, and chemical-repellent, PFAS are under scrutiny for their persistence in the environment and potential effects on human health. As more industries explore PFAS-free workwear, it’s important to understand what PFAS do in protective garments and why their presence is increasingly seen as a concern in and of itself. 

What are PFAS, and why do they matter in workwear?

PFAS is a large family of synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s for their ability to resist heat, water and oil. In protective workwear, PFAS treatments help liquids bead and roll off fabric surfaces, reducing absorption of hazardous splashes and aiding cleanability. 

For years, this has made them invaluable in environments where workers handle corrosive liquids, grease, or operate outdoors in extreme weather. The performance benefits are clear, but so are the questions about what these chemicals are doing when they’re in direct contact with the person wearing the clothing.

The health concerns: why PFAS are different

PFAS earned their nickname “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or the human body. Once released, they can persist for decades. Chronic exposure to specific PFAS compounds has been linked by recent research to a variety of health problems, such as:

• Hormonal disruption and thyroid dysfunction
• Suppressed immune response
• Reduced fertility
• Certain cancers
• Liver and kidney problems

Typical industrial workwear isn’t expected to release large amounts of PFAS through skin contact alone, but PFAS can shed from treated textiles, end up in dust and be inhaled or ingested over time. This cumulative exposure adds to the total body burden of chemicals a worker experiences. 

Even if daily contact might not deliver a huge dose, the long-term concerns and emerging research have driven regulators, brands and safety professionals alike to reassess how widely PFAS are used.

PFAS-Free alternatives: What’s available?

PFAS have traditionally been used in workwear because they provide exceptional resistance to water, oils and chemicals. PFAS-free alternatives can still offer effective protection, but they don’t always perform in the same way. Reduced oil and grease repellency means liquids may spread or absorb into the fabric more quickly. PFAS-free finishes can lose their effectiveness faster, especially after repeated industrial washing, which can shorten the garment’s protective lifespan.

In practical terms, PFAS-free workwear can be highly effective when matched to the right task, but it leaves less margin for error. Liquids may take longer to shed, fabrics may feel slightly heavier or less breathable, and performance can vary more depending on use and laundering. This makes proper risk assessment, supplier guidance and real-world testing especially important. 

Growing awareness of PFAS risks has spurred textile manufacturers and workwear brands to develop PFAS-free coatings and fabrics. These alternatives often rely on silicone- or hydrocarbon-based finishes that can impart water repellency without the use of fluorocarbons. 

Some key advantages of PFAS-free workwear include:

• Reduced chemical exposure for workers (especially important for people with prolonged, daily use)
• Lower environmental impact, since PFAS don’t accumulate in soil or water
• Compliance with emerging regulations as authorities increasingly restrict or phase out many PFAS compounds

Moreover, initiatives in the fashion and outdoor sectors, where PFAS have also been widely used, show there’s a broader industry movement toward non-PFAS solutions. Many apparel brands now advertise clothing with no intentionally added PFAS, demonstrating that similar technologies are maturing across different textile markets.

The Trade-Offs: Pros and Cons of PFAS-Free Workwear

While PFAS-free garments offer important benefits, there are trade-offs that employers and safety managers need to weigh:

Pros

• Reduced long-term health concerns: Minimising exposure to chemicals linked to immune, reproductive or carcinogenic effects can be an important part of a workplace health strategy.
• Better environmental profile: PFAS-free options don’t persist in ecosystems like fluorinated chemicals, aligning with sustainability goals.
• Regulatory readiness: With EU and other global regulations tightening around PFAS use, proactive adoption can help organisations stay ahead of compliance requirements.

Cons

• Potential performance differences: PFAS-based finishes traditionally offer superior water, oil and chemical repellency. Some PFAS-free alternatives may not match those exact performance levels,  especially in extreme conditions.
• Durability and maintenance: Alternative coatings may require more frequent re-treatment or laundering adjustments to maintain performance.
• Cost and availability: Newer PFAS-free technologies may currently cost more or be less widely available, depending on garment type and the protection standard needed.

Making an Informed Choice

The move towards PFAS-free workwear is part of a wider push to protect workers and reduce long-term harm to people and the planet. As concerns grow about exposure to “forever chemicals”, it’s important to understand not only the science behind PFAS, but how PFAS-free garments actually perform on the job.

For safety managers and employers, that means talking to suppliers, keeping an eye on changing regulations, and testing PFAS-free options in real working conditions rather than relying on assumptions.

Choosing the right workwear is about striking a balance: strong protection, reliable performance and fewer long-term health risks. With evidence continuing to mount, PFAS-free alternatives are quickly moving from a niche option to a key part of the workwear safety conversation.