PFAS in Nursing Bras
Can we have NOTHING??
Sometimes it feels like every time I think I’ve figured out the “healthy” option, another article drops a bomb and I’m back at square one.
The latest? PFAS (“forever chemicals”) found in some nursing bras. Yep. Nursing bras. The one thing that’s literally pressed up against our skin during one of the most vulnerable, sensitive seasons of our lives.
Mamavation (a well-known resource in the low-tox world) recently tested several popular nursing bras for indications of PFAS. The results were… frustrating. She breaks it all down in this article:
Nursing Bras Tested for PFAS “Forever Chemicals” by Mamavation
What are forever chemicals?
"Forever chemicals" is the nickname for PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals used to make products resistant to water, oil, heat, and stains.
PFAS actually refers to a whole family of chemicals (more than 12,000 of them) including compounds like PFOA, PFOS, and GenX. So when we say "PFAS," we’re not just talking about one thing. And we don’t always know exactly which of these is showing up in a product, or in what amount.
They are called "forever" because they don't break down in the environment or the human body. Over time, they can build up and have been linked to health concerns like hormone disruption, immune system effects, and potential impacts on fertility and child development.
They’ve been found in everything from nonstick pans to stain-resistant furniture to, apparently, some nursing bras.
What she found…
Some brands tested positive for fluorine, which can suggest PFAS. Others tested clean or were transparent about their materials.
But here’s where it gets complicated. PFAS testing is sensitive. A product can test positive just from being stored or manufactured near something with PFAS. It doesn't always mean it's coated in chemicals. But it is worth knowing.
So what am I doing right now?
Nothing dramatic. But I am adjusting.
I’m putting the bras I own that definitely tested positive for PFAS toward the back of my bra bin. For now, they’re going in the “only if I need to” category. Especially if I already own similar styles that tested clean, or didn’t appear on the high-risk list.
I’m also looking at some of the safer recommendations and may replace one or two of mine, but I’m not rushing to buy a whole new lineup. So far, I’ve only purchased this organic cotton bralette. It’s not specifically for nursing, but it’s stretchy enough that I can make it work. It’s soft, comfortable, with pretty decent support.
Because here’s the truth: we don’t fully know how much PFAS absorbs through skin. Some types can penetrate more easily than others, but without knowing the exact compounds used in a given product, it’s hard to say how much risk there really is. That doesn’t mean it’s nothing, but it does mean Mamavation's research still has gaps.
This is exactly why my approach to low-tox living is 80/20. I try to be informed and intentional, but also realistic.
I’ve shared my own favorite nursing bras before in this blog post, long before I knew anything about PFAS in them. If you want to revisit that review with this new lens, here it is.
Balance matters.
If this kind of thing feels overwhelming, just know you're not alone. You don’t have to fix it all. It would be (unfortunately) impossible to live a completely nontoxic lifestyle. Just stay aware, stay flexible, and make changes when they actually make sense for you.