Greenpeace, the international environmental group, is challenging the green credentials of outdoor clothing makers including The North Face, Columbia and Patagonia, accusing them of failing to eliminate toxic chemicals in their products.
The attack by Greenpeace came after its scientists this year found traces of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in the waters of high-altitude lakes around the world, including the Lago di Pilato in the Apennine mountain range of central Italy.
Greenpeace said its study — released on Tuesday — proved how slowly the environment breaks down these chemicals, which outdoor clothing makers routinely use in their waterproof gear.