ENDOCRINE DISRUPTION & CHEMICAL EXPOSURE:

Bergman et al., State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, UNEP/WHO, 2013

Comprehensive global review identifying over 800 chemicals with known or suspected endocrine-disrupting properties. The majority unregulated in consumer products including textiles.

PFAS IN PERFORMANCE FABRICS:

Kotthoff et al., Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2015

PFAS - the chemical compounds used in most performance and water-resistant activewear detected in human blood, breast milk, and reproductive tissue. Associated with disruption to thyroid and reproductive hormone function.

THE GLOBAL FERTILITY CRISIS:

Levine et al., Human Reproduction Update, 2022

Analysis of 223 studies across 53 countries confirms global sperm counts have declined by more than 50% since 1973. The rate of decline has more than doubled since 2000. Environmental chemical exposure is implicated.

SKIN ABSORPTION DURING EXERCISE

Filon et al., Toxicology Letters, 2015

Dermal absorption of chemicals from textiles is an established and documented route of human exposure - elevated during exercise when skin temperature rises and pores dilate.

CHEMICAL LOAD IN APPAREL:

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Restricted Substances Framework

Over 62,000 synthetic chemicals are currently approved for use in textile manufacturing globally. Regulatory oversight specifically addressing reproductive and hormonal health impact remains minimal.

For deeper reading, interviews, and ongoing coverage of women's health and the science behind what we wear: