This summer, many of us will be finding ways to enjoy the great outdoors. However, some popular summer activities may be a source of exposure to harmful chemicals. From camping to picnics, here are our top tips for reducing your risk of exposure.

Going camping or on some hikes this year? Harmful chemicals may be lurking in your waterproof gear. PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, are used in some outdoor gear due to their ability to repel water. However, these chemicals hardly degrade in the natural environment, leading to them building up and lasting for generations. Exposure to some PFAS has been linked to adverse health problems, such as certain cancers, reduced fertility, and immune system disruption.

Last year, the Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals tested waterproof jackets and found that 14 out of 26 rain jackets contained PFAS, with 12 containing certain PFAS that are illegal in the EU. See our news story on the study here. The study did show that safer alternatives are available, as 12 of the jackets tested did not contain PFAS.

Tip 1: To help reduce your risk, look out for products labelled PFAS-free or PFC-free when buying waterproof items or sprays.

Summertime brings events like holidays, weddings, and festivals, prompting many consumers to head online in search of a new outfit. However, studies have found harmful chemicals in some clothing.

For example, a 2025 report by Greenpeace Germany found high levels of harmful chemicals in clothing items bought from Shein. 18 of the 56 products tested contained harmful chemicals at levels exceeding EU limits. See our news story on the study here.

14 products contained levels of phthalates that exceed EU limits. Phthalates are a group of chemicals often added to plastics to increase their flexibility and durability and can be found in many consumer products including clothing and shoes. Some phthalates are problematic for human health and can interfere with our reproductive or hormone systems. 7 items contained concerningly high levels of PFAS.

Tip 2: Shop from reputable stores based in EU countries, where regulations on harmful chemicals in products are more protective. You can also shop for second-hand clothing from reputable brands and try to make thoughtful purchases.

Picnics can be an easy and cheaper way to enjoy time outdoors. However, wasps wanting your food may not be your biggest concern! Food packaging made from plastic, paper and cardboard may expose you to harmful chemicals. Some plastic packaging may contain chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenols, while paper and cardboard packaging may be treated with PFAS. These chemicals can leach out of packaging into our food and drink.

Tip 3: Store your picnic food in glass or stainless steel containers, and swap your plastic water bottle with a stainless steel one, as many reusable plastic bottles can leach harmful chemicals into your drink.

You can find more advice on reducing your risk of exposure to harmful chemicals on our Reduce Your Risk webpage. However, the burden of avoiding harmful chemicals shouldn’t fall on the consumer, instead better regulations should be in place to protect us.

Read our previous news story for more toxic-free tips for summer.

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