Greenpeace – Hazardous chemicals in outdoor clothing – Frankfurter Rundschau

25 January 2016

A new test shows that outdoor jackets contain partly high levels of per- and polyfluorinated chemicals. These are suspected to be carcinogenic. Photo: AP

Greenpeace complains that many outdoor brands advertise with unspoilt countryside and the image of the love of nature – and at the same time enable their products with the carcinogenic substance PFC >

Munich –

outdoor brands advertise with unspoilt countryside and the image of the love of nature, but at the same time damaging the environment. The at least criticized the environmental organization Greenpeace. A new test of outdoor jackets, shoes or sleeping evidence that use of the practice, chemicals of concern, contrary to many confessions of manufacturers since 2012 hardly anything has changed, alleges Greenpeace chemicals expert Manfred Santen. 36 of 40 outdoor articles just tested did not contain partly high concentrations of per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). These are suspected to damage the endocrine system, to impair fertility or promote tumor growth. Of particular concern is loud Santen primarily that was charged more than a quarter of the goods with the PFC version PFOA, which is considered carcinogenic.

The highest concentrations reported walking shoes but also a sleeping bag. The latter classifies Santen as a particularly dangerous. In one lay sleeping all night, they cover the entire body and you breathe in the exhaling substances.

On the other hand show the test with four PFC-free products, the chemicals group is not absolutely necessary to make clothing waterproof and stain-resistant. So manufacturers would produce such Fjällräven PFC-free, others like Jack Wolfskin would PFC-free collections.

With its international Detox campaign against the use of PFC in outdoor products, Greenpeace has made some impact. Sportartikler like Adidas have promised for 2018 PFC-free production, other manufacturers by 2020. A total of 35 brands have been known to that goal. They also advertise for your understanding, because it is not easy to find substitutes or materials that repel water and dirt comparable. “We have not yet found a perfect alternative,” says the marketing director of the outdoor brand Salewa, Reiner Gerstner.

PFC is questionable, because the group of substances is extremely durable From an environmental perspective. PFC migrates with air and water. Busy is a spreading speed of 7000 kilometers in 20 days. The substance is found in the livers of polar bears, remote mountain lakes Chilean National Parks, as well as drinking water reservoirs again

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