It’s no secret that per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, are now well-established in the human body, with their presence detected in blood, umbilical cords and human milk. And while experts have linked PFAS exposure to health concerns like elevated cancer risks, endocrine disruption, developmental disruption and reduced immune system response, their impacts on the human brain remain relatively unknown.
However, a team led by researchers from the University at Buffalo has now identified 11 genes that could clear the way to better understanding how these chemicals affect brain tissue, and their level of neurotoxicity.
“Our findings indicate these genes may be markers to detect and monitor PFAS-induced neurotoxicity in the future,” G. Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen, lead co-corresponding author of the study and a chemistry professor at University at Buffalo, said in a statement.
The team exposed six types of PFAS to neuronal-like cells and lipids for a 24-hour period and found that these chemicals caused different expressions in 721 genes. These changes affected oxidative stress, protein synthesis, hypoxia signaling and amino acid metabolism, according to the study. They published their findings in the journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience.
Out of all the PFAS tested, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) led to the widest spread changes in gene expression, affecting nearly 600 genes. By comparison, no other compound in the test affected expression of more than 147 genes. In July 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated PFOA as a hazardous substance under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
In total, 11 genes were impacted to express in the same way after exposure to all six compounds. Some of these differently expressed genes were important for neuronal cell survival, the study found.
“Each of these 11 genes exhibited consistent regulation across all PFAS that we tested. This uniform response suggests that they may serve as promising markers for assessing PFAS exposure, but further research is needed to know how these genes respond to other types of PFAS,” Atilla-Gokcumen explained.
The study results may help scientists further determine how these accumulative chemicals impact human brains, but as of right now, there are no known, safe and effective methods for removing PFAS from the human body. Even determining the level of exposure to PFAS is complicated, with testing costing up to $500, Verywell Health reported. While PFAS blood testing costs are required to be covered by insurance in New Hampshire, coverage varies or may be unavailable in other states.
G. Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen’s lab found 11 genes that are consistently affected by PFAS exposure, either expressing more or less, regardless of the type of PFAS. Meredith Forrest Kulwicki / University at Buffalo
In February 2024, a separate study found that the cholesterol medication cholestyramine was effective at reducing PFAS levels in plasma. However, the study included a small sample of subjects, and the researchers determined that the medication was not suitable for widespread, long-term use for the purpose of lowering PFAS levels because of the risk of side effects, Medical Xpress reported.
For now, medical experts will continue researching how PFAS affect human health alongside ways to reduce the accumulation of these compounds in our bodies, including through alternative materials that could provide the same benefits, such as water- and stain-resistance, with lower risks to human health.
“If we understand why some PFAS are more harmful than others, we can prioritize phasing out the worst offenders while seeking safer substitutes,” Atilla-Gokcumen explained. “For example, alternatives like short-chain PFAS are being explored, as they tend to persist less in the environment and accumulate less in biological systems. However, their reduced persistence may come at the cost of effectiveness in certain applications, and there are concerns about potential unknown health effects that require further investigation. Further research is needed to ensure these substitutes are genuinely safer and effective for specific applications. This research is a major step towards achieving this goal.”
In the meantime, the EPA has recommended reducing exposure by checking PFAS levels in your public water supply or private well, installing filters that reduce PFAS in water and avoiding consumption of fish from PFAS-contaminated waterways.
Further, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommended reducing exposure to forever chemicals by limiting consumption of food in takeout packaging or paper board packaging, skipping non-stick cookware in favor of materials like stainless steel and cast iron, and avoiding clothing with aftermarket waterproofing or stain-resistant treatments.
The post Scientists Identify 11 Genes That Could Help Understand How PFAS Affects the Brain appeared first on EcoWatch.
https://www.ecowatch.com/pfas-brain-health.html
Take a look at why hemp is heralded as a hero material and discover 14 hemp clothing brands that have tapped into its sustainable potential.
The exploration of fabrics has always been a starting point for sustainable innovation in fashion. After all, fabrics provide tangible proof that change is possible while having a direct impact on the environment in one way or another. Plus fabrics are responsible for an outsized proportion of a fashion brand’s carbon footprint and overall environmental impact, including biodiversity loss and pollution.
So, What is Hemp Fabric?
Hemp is a bast fiber produced from the cannabis sativa plant, where every part of the plant can be utilized for over 25,000 industrial uses including clothing, biofuel, bricks, paper, and textiles.
Contrary to its popular association, hemp is actually the sober sister to marijuana. Unlike its recreational sibling that’s grown for its psychoactive THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) properties, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, a value that was the driving force behind the legalization of hemp production in the 2018 Farm Bill. So while you can’t really get high from hemp, you can definitely enjoy its material benefits — which are plenty!
What is Hemp Clothing?
The simple answer is that hemp clothes are garments made from hemp fabric! But the important caveat here is that most hemp clothes on the market today are not made from 100% hemp fabric. They are usually blended with other fibers, like cotton.
At this point, hemp fabric manufacturing is not at the scale or technological level that the manufacturing of cotton (the most popular natural material) is, making 100% hemp clothing more expensive to produce. Also, pure hemp fabric is also known to be quite stiff until a couple dozen washes later, so blending it with a fiber like cotton can make it softer and easier to wear on the offset.
100% hemp fiber content clothing does exist, it’s just rare at this point. Though we do think this will change with more sustainable material investment happening in the textiles industry.
Is Hemp Clothing Comfortable?
It depends! The softness of hemp clothing will vary based on how the fabric was produced and if it is blended with other fibers like cotton or lyocell. Pure hemp clothing can be rougher than cotton, but hemp is known to get softer with every wash.
Also, since hemp is a natural bast fiber that comes from the softer parts of the plant’s stalk or stem, it is softer than the coarser leaf fibers.
Can Hemp Clothing Protect From The Sun?
A lesser known benefit of hemp clothing is that it can reportedly even help shield you from harmful UV rays. According to skin cancer research, a fabric’s UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) value is a number that coincides with the fraction of UV rays it allows to pass through and hit your skin — the higher the UPF number, the better the protection.
Research claims that hemp has a UPF of >50 (according to European standards) due to natural pigments and lignin within the fibers, which act as UV absorbers.
Is Hemp Clothing Sustainable?
There are a lot of benefits to hemp clothing. But don’t just take our word for it, we’ve listed some of hemp’s most impressive sustainable qualities below:
1. Hemp is not resource-intensive
Hemp can be grown under a variety of agricultural and ecological conditions and has a capacity to grow rapidly.
Hemp clothing vs. cotton: With a high yield of 250% more fiber than cotton, hemp requires less land to grow, has no need for harmful pesticides or chemicals, and needs as little as 1/3rd of the water compared to conventional cotton. (Though individual use cases may vary based on the region that each of the crops are grown.)
2. Hemp is a restorative plant
Growing hemp can also help contribute to the maintenance of soil quality, courtesy of its anchored roots which prevent soil erosion and nutrient loss.
In fact, research shows that hemp can be used to restore contaminated soils through ‘phytoremediation’ — a process that has proven successful in the early 90s when industrial hemp was planted in some of the polluted Ukrainian regions near the Chernobyl disaster where much of the land was rendered useless. The experiments showed that hemp helped remove radioactive elements from the soil.
3. Hemp can absorb carbon more than other plants
Hem can act as a carbon sink. According to a Cambridge University researcher, a hectare of hemp can absorb between 8-15 tonnes of CO2, giving hemp plants a vital role in reversing carbon emissions.
Impressed yet? Ahead, discover 14 brands that have some of the best takes on this sustainably versatile fiber.
Note that this guide includes affiliates. As always, all brands meet very high standards for sustainability and are brands we love that we think you’ll love too.
Where to Find Sustainable Hemp Clothing
1. Patagonia
Have an outdoor adventure coming up? Run for the hills in some of Patagonia’s functional hemp styles that’ll have you covered no matter what path you set foot on. Whether it’s a jacket, sweatshirt, pair of overalls, or technical pants, these styles are hard-wearing and made to last.
Patagonia stands by hemp as one of its hero fabrics and claims to consciously partner with suppliers that use unique processing techniques to minimize waste. The brand has also created unique performance materials by blending hemp with organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL
lyocell.
Many of Patagonia’s clothes and gear are sewn at Fair Trade Certified factories that ensure all workers earn a living wage.
Size range: US 0–18
Price: $$-$$$
2. tentree
If you’re on the lookout for easy hemp styles that make you want to lounge around in them all day long but still look cool enough for a coffee run, tentree has you covered. Taking an earth-first approach with everything they do, this Canadian brand has been sowing the seeds of sustainability throughout its operations and supply chain. Their clothes are ethically manufactured and workers are provided with living wages.
P.S. Did you know that the brand derives its name from its carbon offsetting initiative that plants ten trees (ten-tree) for each item purchased?
Size range: XS–XL
Price: $$-$$$
3. ALIYA WANEK
ALIYA WANEK is a Black-owned eponymous label offering styles in extended sizes made from hemp and organic cotton blends. With relaxed styles that have nailed the pared-down look to perfection through its clean lines and streamlined silhouettes, these hemp-blended looks will be a solid addition to any wardrobe.
In order to lower its environmental impact, the brand works with two small factories and local contractors in the Bay Area to produce and dye its garments.
Size range: XS–3X
Price: $$$
4. Rawganique
If you have sensitive skin that has been prone to reactions from synthetic fabrics or the chemicals they are treated with, then Rawganique is the answer to your clothing woes.
From seed to seam, this brand oversees everything that goes into their organic hemp products and eliminates the use of harmful chemicals at every stage. From long tunics and t-shirts to pullovers and cardigans, you’ll be sure to find a cozy hemp item for all your loungewear needs.
Size range: XS–XL
Price: $$-$$$
5. Toad&Co
In search of everyday hemp clothing that’ll work with just about anything in your existing wardrobe? Then look no further. Toad&Co’s hemp styles are nothing short of stylish. From relaxed dresses to jumpsuits, t-shirts, shorts, and a lot more, these styles are made using hemp that has been blended with TENCEL Lyocell or organic cotton for added comfort.
The brand has partnered with Hemp Fortex (a member of the Fair Wear Foundation) to produce its hemp clothing. According to Toad & Co, their facilities run on 100% solar power, and the company actively helps those with physical disabilities be able to afford their medical bills and day-to-day living expenses.
Size range: XS–XL
Price: $$-$$$
6. Eileen Fisher
For the minimalist aesthete who appreciates some simple and refined clothing in her closet, Eileen Fisher is the brand for you. Whether you’re seeking a monochrome palette of smart separates or something chic for casual Fridays at work, these hemp-cotton blends will have you looking your best.
The brand works with organic growers who use farming methods that help support clean water and healthy soil, all while using fewer chemicals.
Size range: XXS–3X
Price: $$$
7. Vege Threads
Vege Threads is an Australian fashion label creating ethically made everyday basics using hemp and organic cotton blends. All of their clothes are treated using low-impact, non-toxic dyes and are available in an extended size range with relaxed fits that are perfect for lazying around in style.
Expect to find a range of colorful hemp shorts that can be paired with matching t-shirts, tops, t-shirt dresses, and wide-leg pants.
Size range: US 0–14
Price: $$-$$$
8. AFENDS
With hemp styles that have a distinctive Y2K vibe, AFENDS is the place the find your next pair of overalls or bucket hats. Based out of Australia, the co-founders of AFENDS share a huge passion for hemp and have even purchased 100 acres of farmland called Sleepy Hollow to grow, harvest, and build a hemp processing facility for research and development.
We love the fact that they use hemp fleece in their range of cozy knitwear, making it the sustainable alternative to conventionally available polyester fleece.
Size range: US 2–10
Price: $$-$$$
9. Opera Campi
Channel some La Dolce Vita vibes with a little help from Opera Campi’s fine Italian hemp pieces. With knitted hemp styles that have been blended with the most sumptuous cashmere among a range of other hemp performance materials, all of their pieces are crafted on a made-to-order basis.
The brand was born out of a passion for hemp and exploring its many compositions and blends through innovative yarn-twisting technology. Some of their pieces even include undyed hemp styles that haven’t been treated with chemicals of any kind.
Size range: XXS–3XL
Price: $$-$$$
10. LANIUS
LANIUS is a woman-owned German slow fashion brand creating well-made everyday pieces from hemp that are bound to last a long time. Most of these styles are made from a hemp and organic cotton blend, featuring a range of comfortable t-shirts, sweaters, and dresses in varying sleeve lengths and a myriad of hues.
The brand believes in circularity and empowers its local customers to repair, rent, and resell their old LANIUS pieces to keep them in use for longer.
Size range: 34–44 (German sizing)
Price: $$-$$$
About The Author:
Jharna Pariani is a fashion writer and creative strategist whose work is rooted in honesty and deep observation of the world around her.
When she isn’t busy penning down her thoughts, she moonlights as a video editor creating fashion and food reels on Instagram for several brands and influencers.
More Guides Like This:
Organic Cotton Clothing Brands For A Natural Wardrobe
What is Tencel? Plus Tencel Clothing Brands to Know
Organic Underwear Brands That Are Comfortable and Confidence-Boosting
The post 10 Hemp Clothing Brands That Are Fashionable and Eco-Friendly appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
10 Hemp Clothing Brands That Are Fashionable and Eco-Friendly
Most sustainable lingerie is actually just basic undies and bralettes, but we’ve researched high and low to find you a curation of genuinely beautiful, sexy lingerie that’s made from lower impact materials with more responsible practices from small brands.
Why Do We Need Sustainable Lingerie?
It’s no secret that the brand that has dominated the lingerie market is problematic. Between a 2020 Times investigation uncovering Victoria’s Secret “entrenched culture of misogyny, bullying and harassment” to Hulu’s exposing Angels and Demons docuseries to their lack of supply chain environmental impact accountability.
But Victoria’s Secret isn’t alone. Many lingerie brands have their issues when it comes to perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards, relying on synthetic fossil fuel-derived materials like polyester, and lacking supply chain accountability.
While some relatively big name lingerie brands are centering inclusive marketing, we still have to ask questions like: what are their products made from and how are they made? who is making those bras and are they being paid fairly and working in safe conditions?
Because if a lingerie brand is claiming to empower women, they must also consider the women sewing their undergarments.
What Is Sustainable Lingerie?
So enough of the doom and gloom here! Let’s talk about what sustainable lingerie entails and what an ethical alternative to Victoria’s Secret might look like.
Because the fact is that there are a number of incredible eco-minded and ethical lingerie brands out there doing things better! While brands might not meet all of this criteria, these are some general aspects to keep in mind:
Eco-Conscious Materials
Most lingerie is made from polyester and nylon (synthetic plastic fibers). On the other hand, sustainable lingerie materials might include natural fabrics like organic cotton and Tencel or repurposed materials like deadstock fabrics and vintage trims.
Production Size
No matter how eco-conscious the material is, it’s still unsustainable if a brand is overproducing and wasting those garments! An eco-friendly lingerie brand would produce intentionally in small batches, use pre-order or made-to-order models, or have seasonless collections that they won’t toss as soon as the month is over.
Ethical Production
People are part of sustainability too. Look for brands with transparent and socially responsible production practices.
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