Greener Workout Wear

For summer hikes, trips to the beach and outdoor Pilates or yoga, clothes that are comfortable and rugged work best. Unfortunately, many athletic clothing manufacturers are adding questionable chemical treatments to resist insects, odors and stains. "These manufacturers are inventing problems, trying to scare you about insects, bacteria or odor," says Timothy Kropp, toxicologist at the Environmental Working Group (EWG). "To fix that 'problem' you are taking a risk." Here's why:

Clothing treated with Goretex, Teflon and other chemicals that repel stains, water or dirt can break down into harmful perfluorochemicals (PFCs), according to EWG. One PFC, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has been found in the bodies of nearly all Americans and labeled a likely carcinogen by the EPA, which has called on companies to phase it out by 2015.

Insecticides used on clothes bearing the "Buzz Off" label contain permethrin, a synthetic version of the pyrethrin found in chrysanthemums. While it may effectively deter insects, permethrin comes out in the wash and as you sweat, and military research has shown that it can be absorbed by the skin. Exposure can cause asthma attacks, headaches and nausea, and the chemical is a suspected endocrine disrupter.

However, these clothes are effective at deterring Lyme Disease-bearing ticks. Given that bugs die upon contact with insecticide-treated clothing, it should only be used as a last resort in areas with high tick populations. Still, never rely on it as foolproof bug protection. Always treat exposed skin properly and check yourself for ticks. (For more on Buzz Off clothing, see www.thegreenguide.com.)

To repel insects, untreated long-sleeved shirts and long pants work just as well, Kropp says. Apply a safer insect repellent to exposed skin. See our Insect Repellents Product Report.

Some newer products marketed as "anti-odor, -bacterial or -microbial" are problematic because it can be difficult to determine which chemical agent was incorporated into the fabric, Kropp says. But he stresses that the germ-killer triclosan should be avoided in clothing, towels and soap. The American Medical Association has been pressing the FDA to regulate the chemical since 2000 because it contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (see "Health News," GG #112).

Triclosan can also react with chlorinated water to form chloroform, a probable human carcinogen. So steer clear of the new sport towels, socks and footwear fortified with triclosan (also called "Microban" and "Biofresh").

Note: UV-protective clothing treated with titanium dioxide, or Tinosorb, is generally safe. For suggestions, see "Summer Skin Protectors," GG #114.