Athletes rely on their gear to improve performance, enhance comfort, and support their fitness goals. But what if some of those essential accessories are silently compromising your health? There are so many toxic accessories every athlete should ditch out there.
Many popular athletic products contain hidden toxins that can lead to long-term health issues. Chemicals in clothing, wearable tech, and plastic bottles can enter your body through sweat, skin contact, and ingestion. Some of these chemicals have been linked to hormonal disruptions, cancer risks, and metabolic disorders.
It’s time to reconsider these three commonly used athletic accessories if you want a long, healthy life.
1. Athletic Clothing
Many sportswear brands use per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to make clothing water-resistant and sweat-wicking. However, these “forever chemicals” do not break down in the environment or the human body.
Studies link PFAS exposure to cancer, liver damage, and immune system disruptions. PFAS can be found in stain-free, water-resistant, wrinkle-free, and athletic clothing, raising serious health concerns. Yahoo reports that in 2025, California became the first U.S. state to ban PFAS in clothes. The legislation prohibits using PFAS in clothing and other textile production, sale, and distribution.
While this is a step in the right direction, many brands still sell toxic gear in the remaining states. Without federal regulation, athletes across the U.S. remain at risk. In 2023, the Center for Environmental Health detected BPA in several items like leggings, sports bras, sports shirts, and shorts. BPA can increase the odds of asthma, cardiovascular complications, obesity, diabetes, behavioral disorders, and cancer.
ABC7 states even low exposure levels aren’t safe. These items could expose the wearer to BPA concentrations of up to 40 times the permissible amount set by California. The CEH sent notices to 8 companies, including Nike, Adidas, Fabletics, Champion, Patagonia, and Kohl’s.
Similarly, Gore-Tex, an outdoor gear brand, is under fire for faking eco-friendly claims. It is currently facing legal action for falsely marketing its products as PFAS-free. Old buyers filed a class-action motion against its manufacturer, W.L. Gore & Associates, on 11th February 2025. However, PFAS contamination extends beyond clothing and accessories.
Chemicals found in clothing are also in contaminated water supplies. This led to citizens, non-profits, and state governments joining hands in the fight against PFAS manufacturers. Legal battles, such as the AFFF foam lawsuit, highlight how toxic exposure can have long-term effects. It increases the odds of 10 cancers and disrupts hormone balance, immunity, and liver function.
TorHoerman Law reveals over 8,000 cases have been filed to date, with nearly 460 new cases added since the start of the year. Moreover, in January, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) included nine new PFAS compounds in the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI).
How can athletes protect themselves?
- Opt for organic cotton, hemp, or certified PFAS-free fabrics.
- Wash new clothes twice before wearing them to reduce chemical residues.
- Check labels for “PFC-free” or “BPA-free” certifications.
2. Smartwatch and Fitness Tracker Bands
Smartwatches and fitness trackers are very popular among athletes. They help track performance and monitor health. However, smartwatch bands can also contain PFAS. A 2024 study found PFAS in many “smart” and “fitness” watch bands. The University of Notre Dame researchers tested 22 common brands, including Nike, Apple, Fitbit, and Google.
It detected PFAS in 15 products. Moreover, according to The Guardian, the chemical concentration was much higher than the amount reported in everyday products. When you wear these bands for long periods, your skin is in contact with these chemicals. This can lead to your body absorbing PFAS.
Another study concluded that the human skin absorbs up to 60% of PFAS when in contact with the skin. Moreover, sweat enhances this absorption rate. Hence, athletes wearing these devices for long hours are at greater risk of absorption.
How can athletes protect themselves?
- Choose bands made of natural rubber, silicone, or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).
- Clean bands daily with mild soap to reduce residue buildup.
- Prioritize brands with third-party toxic-free certifications, like OEKO-TEX.
3. Plastic Bottles
Staying hydrated is key for athletes. Plastic water bottles are a convenient way to stay hydrated. But they come with hidden risks. In 2024, Columbia University researchers showcased a new technology to detect, measure, and assess the elemental makeup of nanoparticles in bottled water.
They tested the technology on America’s three popular bottled water brands without disclosing their names. According to CNN, the results reveal the number of plastic fragments in the bottled water was between 110,000 and 370,000, if not more. Older studies found the plastic residue to be around 300 per liter. These microscopic particles can enter your body when you drink bottled water.
Pregnant women and babies, in particular, are most vulnerable. These minuscule particles enter individual cells and tissues in major organs, interrupting the cellular processes. Moreover, they release hormone-altering chemicals in the tissues. These chemicals can make their way into an unborn baby. Nanoplastics’ broader health implications are still being analyzed.
On the other hand, drinking from plastic bottles can also increase the risk of diabetes. New research suggests a link between plastic bottles and diabetes. Chemicals from the bottles can seep into the water, particularly when bottles are subjected to heat or sunlight. These chemicals can disrupt your metabolism.
Business Insider suggests they target insulin production, hindering its production. This leads to increased blood sugar levels and a higher likelihood of type 2 diabetes. The study also reveals the EPA’s outdated, safe BPA exposure levels.
How can athletes protect themselves?
- Use stainless steel or glass bottles.
- Avoid reusable plastics labeled #3 (PVC) or #7 (miscellaneous plastics).
- Store bottles away from heat to prevent chemical leaching.
Commonly Asked Questions About Toxic Accessories Every Athlete Should Ditch
Q1. Are reusable plastic water bottles safe?
No. Avoid bottles labeled with #3 (PVC), #6 (polystyrene), or #7 (miscellaneous plastics), as these may leach harmful chemicals. Opt for reusable bottles made from stainless steel, glass, or safer plastics like #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE), and #5 (PP). Always check the bottle’s material code at the bottom.
Q2. Do stainless steel bottles leach chemicals like plastic?
No, high-quality stainless steel bottles don’t leach harmful chemicals like plastic. They’re non-reactive, BPA-free, and heat-resistant. However, low-quality or uncoated bottles may release trace metals when exposed to acidic drinks. Choosing food-grade stainless steel, like 18/8 or 304, ensures safe and long-term use.
Q3. How often should I replace my fitness tracker band?
Replace silicone or rubber bands every 6–12 months if cracked or discolored. For TPU or natural rubber, inspect monthly. Swapping bands reduce prolonged PFAS exposure. Clean weekly with alcohol wipes to minimize residue buildup.
Toxic chemicals in athletic gear pose serious health risks. These hidden dangers can impact performance, recovery, and long-term well-being, from PFAS in clothing and fitness trackers to nanoplastics in water bottles.
By choosing PFAS-free clothing, avoiding smartwatch bands with harmful chemicals, and switching to safe hydration options, athletes can protect themselves from unnecessary toxic exposure. Remember, the toxins in your gear won’t slow you down today—but they might decades from now. Check product labels, support safer brands, and stay informed about emerging research. These simple yet effective steps ensure a healthier athletic lifestyle.
