SACRAMENTO – In a bold step toward better public health protections, California is poised to become the next state to ban the sale of consumer products made with the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.
Senate Bill 682, authored by Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), cleared the state Legislature and is now on its way to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature.
If enacted, the bill would ban the sale and distribution of many consumer goods containing intentionally added PFAS, beginning in 2028.
Affected products include cleaning products, dental floss, plastic food packaging and ski wax, among others. The bill would also ban stores from selling cookware containing intentionally added PFAS as of 2030.
Reducing exposure to toxic chemicals
Often used in nonstick coatings and water-resistant treatments, PFAS can leach into food or be absorbed through skin contact. Decades of scientific research link them to a host of serious health concerns, including cancer and harm to the immune system and fetal development, as well as reduced vaccine effectiveness.
“No one should be exposed to toxic PFAS just from cooking dinner or cleaning their home,” said Susan Little, Environmental Working Group’s California legislative director. “This bill is a long overdue step toward protecting Californians from unnecessary exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ in everyday products.
“We applaud Sen. Allen for championing this important public health initiative, which will eliminate major routes of exposure to these toxic chemicals,” said Little.
If Newsom signs the bill, California would join other states, including Colorado, Connecticut and Minnesota, that have banned the use of PFAS in cookware, cleaners and other products listed in SB 682.
EWG is cosponsoirng the bill along with the Natural Resources Defense Council, Clean Water Action, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and the California Association of Sanitation Agencies.
SB 682 would build on the state’s current PFAS restrictions. California has already enacted crucial bans on PFAS in textiles, cosmetics, paper-based food packaging, menstrual products, certain children’s items and firefighting foam.
As the world’s fourth-largest economy, California often drives national standards through its regulations. To avoid the cost and complexity of producing separate product lines, companies are likely to eliminate PFAS from all items sold nationwide, rather than create PFAS-free versions solely for the California market.
The governor has until October 12 to take action on SB 682. Advocates hope he will sign the bill into law, building upon his legacy of enacting commonsense public health protections and reducing unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals in our food and consumer products.
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
