{"hq_id":"hq-p-wer-000011","name":"Running Shoes (synthetic, EVA foam)","category":{"primary":"clothing_apparel","secondary":"footwear","tags":["footwear","PFAS","VOC","microplastics","athletic"]},"product_tier":"WER","overall_risk_level":"low","description":"Synthetic athletic running shoes with EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam midsoles, polyester/nylon mesh uppers, and rubber outsoles. May contain PFAS in water-resistant treatments, DMF (dimethyl fumarate) as anti-mold agent in shipping (banned in EU since 2009), and VOCs from adhesives. Dermal exposure is prolonged (hours daily) with sweating increasing absorption. Some brands found to contain PFAS in waterproof models.","synthesis":{"derived_risk_level":"insufficient_data","synthesis_confidence":0,"synthesis_method":"none","context_source":null,"compounds_resolved":0,"compounds_total":0,"synthesis_date":"2026-03-27","synthesis_version":"1.0.0"},"hazard_summary":{"overall_risk":"low","primary_concerns":["PFAS in waterproof models","DMF anti-mold packets (banned EU)","VOC off-gassing from adhesives (new shoes)","Microplastic shedding from outsole wear"],"sensitive_populations":"Individuals with chemical sensitivities, children","exposure_routes":"Dermal (prolonged foot contact with perspiration)"},"exposure":{"routes":["dermal"],"contact_types":[],"users":[],"duration":"6-12 months per pair","frequency":"daily","scenarios":["Dermal contact during handling of Running Shoes (synthetic, EVA foam) (6-12 months per pair contact)"],"notes":"Prolonged foot contact with sweating; VOC off-gassing when new"},"consumer_guidance":{"red_flags":["Strong chemical smell when new","Anti-mold silica packets with DMF","PFAS-treated waterproof models"],"green_flags":["PFAS-free waterproofing","OEKO-TEX or bluesign certified","Air out before first wear"],"what_to_ask":["Is the water-resistant treatment PFAS-free?","Are adhesives low-VOC?"],"alternatives":["Natural material running shoes (some brands)","PFAS-free waterproof models","Recycled-content shoes"],"notes":null},"regulatory":{"applicable_regulations":["EU REACH (DMF ban, PFAS restriction proposal)","CPSC","California Prop 65 (some shoe adhesives)"],"certifications":[],"labeling":{},"recalls":[],"regulatory_gap":null,"notes":null},"lifecycle":{"recyclable":"some brands have take-back programs","disposal_guidance":"Donation if usable; Nike Reuse-A-Shoe program; otherwise landfill","hazardous_waste":false,"expected_lifespan":"300-500 miles or 6-12 months"},"formulation":{"form":"footwear","key_ingredients":[{"hq_id":null,"name":"EVA foam (ethylene-vinyl acetate)","role":"midsole_cushioning","concentration_pct":"30-40"},{"hq_id":null,"name":"Polyester/nylon mesh","role":"upper","concentration_pct":"25-35"},{"hq_id":null,"name":"Rubber (styrene-butadiene)","role":"outsole","concentration_pct":"15-25"},{"hq_id":null,"name":"Polyurethane adhesive","role":"bonding","concentration_pct":"3-5"}],"certifications":[]},"materials":{"common":[],"concerning":[],"preferred":[]},"compound_composition":[],"identifiers":{"manufacturer":"","common_names":[],"aliases":[],"brands":[]},"brand_examples":[{"brand":"Nike","manufacturer":"Nike","market_position":"premium","notable":"Premium athletic shoes; market leader"},{"brand":"Adidas","manufacturer":"Adidas","market_position":"premium","notable":"Premium sportswear and footwear"},{"brand":"Skechers","manufacturer":"Skechers","market_position":"mass_market","notable":"Casual and comfort footwear; mass market"},{"brand":"New Balance","manufacturer":"New Balance","market_position":"premium","notable":"Premium athletic and running shoes"},{"brand":"Crocs","manufacturer":"Crocs","market_position":"mass_market","notable":"Casual foam footwear; popular mass-market"}],"sources":[{"type":"expert_curation","name":"ALETHEIA Safety Database","date":"2026-03-23"},{"type":"regulation","title":"EU REACH (DMF ban, PFAS restriction proposal)","jurisdiction":"","id":"src_c10e6afb"},{"type":"regulation","title":"CPSC","jurisdiction":"","id":"src_cbb7d3f1"},{"type":"regulation","title":"California Prop 65 (some shoe adhesives)","jurisdiction":"","id":"src_774cf9f9"}],"meta":{"schema_version":"4.0.0","last_updated":"2026-03-25","timestamp":"2026-05-02T18:19:07.838Z"}}