Toxic chemicals in women’s underwear? A new year’s resolution for healthier choices and safer products!
Blog post by Chantal Van den Bossche, project manager MENSY at WECF
The start of a new year, and yes, it is still January, although the very last day, is always a time for reflection and fresh goals. Like many of you, I’ve been thinking about how to live healthier and make more conscious choices—not just for myself but for my family, friends, and the planet. But recently, I came across something that really shook me. Did you know that many women’s underwear and textiles are contaminated with harmful chemicals called bisphenols? These are endocrine disruptors that can mess with our hormones and pose serious health risks.
A study by consumer associations across Europe found that:
- 33% of tested textiles contained detectable levels of bisphenols.
- Women’s underwear was particularly alarming—50% contained bisphenols, and 17% had levels exceeding safety thresholds.
The worst offenders? Synthetic fibres like polyester and polyamide. It’s troubling to think that something as intimate as our underwear could be exposing us to toxic chemicals.
But here’s the good news: the study also showed that alternatives are out there. Some products made from synthetic fibres were completely bisphenol-free. This made me realize how important it is to not only demand safer products but also to spread awareness. A recent survey found that while people care deeply about harmful chemicals, most of us don’t have enough information to make truly informed choices.
So, here’s my New Year’s resolution:
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- Learn more about the products I use—from clothing to menstrual products.
- Advocate for change—policies like the proposed EU-wide ban on bisphenols in textiles by 2029.
- Share what I know—because the more people are aware, the stronger our voices become.
This year, let’s push for greater transparency, better regulations, and healthier choices. It’s not just about protecting ourselves—it’s about protecting our loved ones and future generations.
What do you think? Have you ever considered the chemicals in your clothes or even in your underwear? Let’s start the conversation and work toward a safer, healthier future together.
Want to read more? Here is the link to the report on the findings on Arnika’s website
