Happy New Year! Starting January 1, 2025, several state policies targeting PFAS “forever chemicals” went into effect, marking a major milestone in protecting public health and helping transform the national marketplace. These policies will restrict PFAS and other chemicals of concern in everyday products, demonstrating how states are leading the way to reduce toxic exposure and promote safer alternatives.
New PFAS restrictions going into effect on January 1, 2025 span 14 product categories across 10 states. This includes:
- Apparel: California and New York will be the first states to implement restrictions on PFAS in apparel, paving the way for safer clothing nationwide.
- Cosmetics: For the first time states including California, Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington will restrict PFAS in cosmetic products. Notably, Washington’s cosmetics law is the strongest in the country, targeting additional toxic chemicals such as ortho-phthalates, formaldehyde, and more. It also provides resources for businesses and cosmetologists to transition to safer chemicals.
- Firefighting Foam: Alaska, Illinois, and Rhode Island will restrict PFAS in firefighting foam, joining 13 other states with similar restrictions. These policies are crucial for protecting firefighters and preventing PFAS contamination.
- Foodware Containers: Oregon will implement a ban on PFAS in foodware containers, joining 11 other states with similar restrictions in place.
- Comprehensive Restrictions in Minnesota: Under Amara’s Law, Minnesota will restrict PFAS in a wide range of products, including carpets and rugs, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, fabric treatments, juvenile products, menstruation products, textile furnishings, ski wax, and upholstered furniture.
For more information on state policies restricting PFAS, check out Safer States’ chart, State Action on PFAS in Consumer Products.
State Policies on Toxic Chemicals are Driving Market Transformation
The ripple effects of these state policies are being felt in the marketplace. Major retailers, from Amazon to Lowe’s to McDonald’s, have adopted policies to phase out PFAS from certain products. Beauty brands like Sephora and Ulta are also stepping up, earning high marks in the 2024 Retailer Report Card for phasing out toxic chemicals like PFAS and phthalates. Companies like Sephora are also providing guidance to suppliers on identifying safer solutions, helping drive the availability of safer products.
These market shifts are a direct response to state regulation, such as Washington state’s groundbreaking law regulating toxic chemicals in cosmetics. As the strongest law of its kind, Washington’s policy targets harmful chemicals like PFAS, ortho-phthalates, formaldehyde, and more. The law has already inspired similar policies in states like Oregon and Vermont, demonstrating how bold state action not only protects public health but also drives companies to innovate and adopt safer practices.
In addition to state policies, legal action is also creating pressure on PFAS manufacturers. Attorneys General in Connecticut, Indiana, and Texas are the latest to file lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers for deceptive advertising, harming public health and the environment. This leadership not only seeks accountability but also signals to retailers and manufacturers that the time to pivot away from PFAS and toward safer solutions is now, further accelerating market transformation.
Federal Government Follows State and Retailer Action
After years of action on PFAS by state and local governments and leading retailers, the federal government took several important steps to address PFAS in 2024. Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) followed state action on PFAS in drinking water and finalized historic drinking water standards for six individual PFAS “forever chemicals.” This action marks a critical milestone in protecting public health from these harmful chemicals.
The EPA also took another important step by designating two PFAS chemicals as “hazardous substances.” This classification will make it easier to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up their PFAS contamination. In addition, the federal Administration provided guidance that eliminates PFAS from cleaning products used in federal buildings. These federal actions wouldn’t have been possible without the groundwork laid by states and the market shifts driven by consumer demand.
What’s next?
Looking ahead to 2025, states are anticipated to introduce and adopt even more policies that phase out toxic chemicals and materials, hold polluters accountable, and incentivize safer solutions. By taking the lead, states will protect their communities while also pushing the country toward a safer future.
To stay informed about legislative developments, visit the Safer States Bill Tracker.
