Not that big of a problem? Users wait for discounts amid Lululemon “forever chemicals” investigation
It’s often said that there's no such thing as bad publicity, even when your products potentially contain dangerous chemicals.
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Lululemon has been under investigation in Texas for using “forever chemicals” in its products.
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The news also reached China, a critical market for Lululemon.
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Chinese consumers are split on the matter.
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PFAS pose serious health risks as they may cause cancer, decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, and more.
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Forever chemicals are also often found in electronic products.
However, an investigation into Lululemon, the activewear label, to determine whether its clothing contains “forever chemicals” may affect its booming market in China.
The news about Lululemon’s products, including Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), better known as “forever chemicals,” has become a hot topic on Chinese social media.
The consumers seemed to divide into two groups: some users were questioning whether they should keep buying from the company, while others were waiting for possible discounts.
Some justified the situation by noting that various chemicals are found in many other products, including food.
Nevertheless, these safety concerns show how quickly things can change, especially in a market like China, where consumers are highly receptive, reports Bloomberg.
Lululemon has been one of the few American brands to maintain its relevance in China since the pandemic.
China has been an important market for the company since it expanded its operations there, with 200 stores already open since 2025.
Lululemon under investigation
The investigation against Lululemon was started by Texas’s attorney general’s office. Its attorney general, Ken Paxton, issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) claiming that it “has misled consumers about the safety, quality, and health impacts of its products.”
The inspection began after “emerging research and consumer concerns” that the company’s products may contain synthetic materials and chemical compounds, which may cause “endocrine disruption, infertility, cancer, and other health issues.”
Lululemon has denied claims that it uses PFAS in its products, a spokesperson told Global News.
The company “phased out” the chemical in 2023, when it was used in water-resistant products. Lululemon is also working with the Texas attorney general by providing it with the necessary documents.
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Are “forever chemicals” most common in tech products?
“Forever chemicals” are still used in a variety of products due to their durability and resistance to heat, oil, grease, stains, and water.
However, these chemicals are causing long-term harm.
A study on smartwatch bands found that straps for wrist-worn devices contain perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), a PFAS that can be absorbed through the skin.
Many well-known tech brands use PFHxA in their products. One of which is Apple.
The company is facing a class-action lawsuit for selling products containing “forever chemicals” while advertising them as products to maintain a healthy lifestyle, thereby misleading customers.
Besides smartwatches, another study found hazardous materials in headphones, a product many users use daily for extended periods.
Researchers analyzed 81 headphone models and found that all of them contained chemicals that pose a risk to human health.
The study also revealed that companies considered to sell higher-quality devices weren’t an exception, with Samsung, Bose, and Panasonic among them.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, “forever chemicals” may lead to some types of cancer (e.g., kidney, prostate, testicular), decreased fertility, developmental delays in kids, weakened immune system, hormonal imbalance, and more.
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