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I wonder how harmful are waterproofing sprays like this: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/water-repellent-re-activator-s... they are incredibly effective in keeping my shoes dry but seeing people using it on national park trailheads makes me a little nervous.

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They’re terrible, and as bad as you think. Those are PFCs in a can.

Look for Nikwax brand, which makes waterproofing products that are all PFC-free

I recently bought kids rain boots, just normal vulcanized rubber which is itself water proof.

The lady at the counter asked if I wanted a water repellent coating (PFC) on it for extra money. They are exposing toddlers to this crap for literally no benefit.

The pace at which we allow chemistry innovation to permiate consumer markets needs to be curbed.

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