Greenpeace study points to hazardous chemicals in waterproof outdoor gear

MONTREAL – Greenpeace is calling on manufacturers to eliminate hazardous chemicals used to make outdoor gear waterproof, saying high levels of the cancer-causing contaminants were detected in most of the products it tested.

The environmental group released a study Monday that found high concentrations of PFCs (per- and poly-fluorinated chemicals) in jackets, tents, backpacks and sleeping bags.

The products are made by some of the world’s biggest outdoor brands, including North Face, Arc’Teryx, Patagonia, Mammut and Columbia.

Only four of the 40 items tested didn’t contain the chemical believed to be dangerous to human health and the environment.

None of these PCF-free products are available in Canada.

“Canadians don’t have much of a choice right now but companies do have a choice in what they’re selling and what we think is really important is getting the outdoor community to call on these companies to clean up their act,” said Greenpeace Canada spokesman Charles Latimer.

North Face has been testing alternatives and has set a goal to remove PFCs from all clothing materials by 2020, although that would be three years later than Greenpeace is seeking.

Vancouver-based Arc’Teryx said the industry agreed in 2006 to phase out the more harmful of the PFCs by using other alternatives that while imperfect are “a step in the right direction,” it said.

Patagonia said it has found some other options lose their effectiveness and have shorter lifespans, which is a concern because every replacement garment comes with its own environmental cost, it said.