They have been found in very remote areas of the planet, in animals like dolphins and in polar bears’ livers and even in human blood. A new report by Greenpeace claims that brands such as The North Face , Patagonia , Mammut , Columbia and Haglofs are using hazardous PFCs , linked to cancer , to manufacture their products . Greenpeace tested 40 products purchased in 19 different countries and regions . While most products now publicly claim they are no longer using the most hazardous long - chain PFCs , they were still found in high concentrations in some items . PFCs are chemical compounds that , once released into the environment , may degrade very slowly and enter the food chain , making pollution almost irreversible . 200 scientists from 38 countries have signed the ' Madrid statement ’ which advocates avoiding use of PFCs - including short chains - for the production of consumer goods , including textiles .
A new report by Greenpeace claims that brands such as The North Face , Patagonia , Mammut , Columbia and Haglofs are using hazardous PFCs , linked to cancer , to manufacture their products . Greenpeace tested 40 products purchased in 19 different countries and regions . While most products now publicly claim they are no longer using the most hazardous long - chain PFCs , they were still found in high concentrations in some items . PFCs are chemical compounds that , once released into the environment , may degrade very slowly and enter the food chain , making pollution almost irreversible . 200 scientists from 38 countries have signed the ' Madrid statement ’ which advocates avoiding use of PFCs - including short chains - for the production of consumer goods , including textiles .