Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - From youth leagues to college programs, sports helmets are cleaned regularly to reduce odor, bacteria, and wear. Recent environmental testing suggests that the padding inside many helmets may be another overlooked source of PFAS entering water systems. Helmet liners and cushioning foams are often treated with moisture-resistant, antimicrobial, or sweat-repellent coatings to improve comfort and durability. Those treatments can include PFAS, which help materials resist breakdown from repeated use. When helmets are washed in bulk using hoses, sinks, or commercial washing systems, PFAS can migrate out of the padding and into rinse water. That water typically flows straight into floor drains connected to municipal sewer systems. For communities already following PFAS-related health research, it is surprising to learn that routine athletic equipment cleaning could contribute to chemical pollution. Sports programs may wash dozens or even hundreds of helmets each week during a season. Even though each wash releases only small amounts, the repeated cycles can add up over time. Because PFAS do not degrade, the chemicals remain intact as they move through plumbing and into treatment facilities that cannot fully remove them, creating a slow but steady source of contamination. Drinking water cancer attorneys believe that individuals and family members of individuals who developed testicular cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, or pancreatic cancer due to exposure to PFAS forever chemicals in drinking water may be eligible for meaningful financial compensation for resulting pain and suffering.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS are widely used in foam, fabric, and padding materials because they repel moisture and resist heat and abrasion. The EPA has documented PFAS migration from treated textiles and foams during laundering, noting that wastewater treatment plants are not designed to eliminate fluorinated chemicals. In athletic settings, helmet washing often involves warm water and detergents, conditions that increase chemical mobility. Once released, PFAS can pass through treatment systems and enter surface water or groundwater, or accumulate in sewage sludge. Environmental sampling near large athletic complexes has shown PFAS patterns consistent with repeated low-level discharges tied to equipment cleaning rather than industrial activity. The EPA has also warned that PFAS can bind to fine particles, meaning residues from helmet padding may mix with dirt and organic matter that settles in drains and pipes. As monitoring expands, regulators are beginning to include schools, training facilities, and recreation centers in broader PFAS assessments, recognizing that everyday maintenance practices can collectively influence water quality.
Looking ahead, awareness of PFAS released during sports helmet washing may lead to changes in both equipment design and cleaning practices. Some manufacturers are exploring padding materials that rely on alternative polymers or untreated foams that do not require fluorinated coatings. Athletic departments may also revise cleaning protocols, reducing unnecessary washing, using cooler water, or capturing rinse water where feasible. Clearer labeling of helmet materials would help schools and teams understand whether PFAS are present and make informed purchasing decisions. Environmental agencies may include athletic facilities in outreach efforts aimed at reducing diffuse PFAS sources in communities. Sports are meant to promote health and teamwork, not contribute to long-term environmental risks. By addressing PFAS in helmet padding and washing routines, schools and athletic organizations can help protect local water systems while still maintaining safe and hygienic equipment for athletes.
Our attorneys specialize in holding large corporations accountable when they've placed profits ahead of safety. Through settlements and winning verdicts, our attorneys have obtained millions for our clients. Let us help you today.
Filing a lawsuit will allow you to hold the federal government accountable for damage it has caused you or a loved one, while also providing real compensation for your medical expenses, suffering and loss. Contact us today for a free consultation.