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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Adrienne Matei

Thread carefully: your gym clothes could be leaching toxic chemicals

Illustration of leggings made of plastic trash
Your favorite pair of leggings is likely to be made from synthetic fabrics, all of which are essentially plastics. Illustration: Guardian Design/Getty Images

When we’re on the treadmill, we’re more likely to be thinking about what SZA track to queue up or whether we’re going to make it another mile than what’s in our workout clothing.

But your favorite sports bra or well-worn pair of leggings is likely to be made from synthetic fabrics like Spandex, nylon and polyester, all of which are essentially plastics. These materials are made from petrochemicals and are often formulated with harmful chemical additives like phthalates and bisphenols.

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