BPA (bisphenol A), is a chemical that is used to make some types of plastic, which are used in a variety of products (food containers, water bottles, and baby bottles). It is a known endocrine disruptor, which means that it can interfere with your hormones. Exposure to BPA has been linked to a number of health problems, including:
- Reproductive problems
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Behavioral problems
- Erectile dysfunction
- Learning disabilities
The amount of BPA that is considered safe is still being debated, but many scientists and health experts believe that even low levels of BPA can be harmful. The Center for Environmental Health (CEH), a nonprofit consumer advocacy group, has found BPA levels up to 40 times the safe limit (of California standards) in polyester clothing that contains spandex. Such materials would commonly be found in socks, sports bras, and other athletic related apparel.
(1) https://ceh.org/the-fight-continues-bpa-in-activewear/
(2) https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/news/infocenter/new-testing-in-the-usa-shows-high-levels-of-bpa-in-socks