Safer States joins Mind the Store in calling on REI to take action on PFAS “forever chemicals”
November 03, 2021
Safer States is proud to partner with the Mind the Store campaign to call on REI, a major outdoor apparel retailer, to phase out and ban PFAS “forever chemicals” in all private-label and brand-name products. REI has the power to lead the outdoor apparel industry in a bold phase-out of PFAS from products.
Michigan Governor commits to limit purchase of products that contain PFAS
October 27, 2021
Today, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive telling the state to “use its purchasing power—an estimated $2.5 billion annually” to buy products that do not contain PFAS chemicals. While other states have product-specific PFAS procurement restrictions, Michigan’s new policy goes further by looking across all purchases by the state. Health advocacy organizations from Michigan and across the nation applaud this move and anticipate more states to take action.
The Environmental Protection Agency announces limited PFAS roadmap
October 18, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its roadmap on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a class of toxic chemicals known to cause harm to people and the environment. The EPA’s plan states that it will “deliver tangible public health benefits to all people who are impacted by these chemicals.”
California passes new precedent-setting laws that require accurate product labeling and regulate PFAS “forever chemicals” as a class
October 05, 2021
California today passed new precedent-setting laws that require accurate labeling for products and regulate toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” as a class. The three bills signed today by Governor Gavin Newsom ensure truth in advertising through labeling requirements in products claiming to be recyclable; in compostable products; and in cookware, respectively. A fourth bill was also signed that regulates toxic chemicals in juvenile products. All four bills notably address toxic PFAS chemicals as a class, a longstanding recommendation by science experts, health care professionals, and advocates alike.
Maine is the first state in the country to ban PFAS “forever chemicals” in all products
July 15, 2021
Today, Maine’s groundbreaking bill that bans “intentionally added” toxic PFAS chemicals in all products by 2030 became law. The new law positions Maine as the first state in the country to establish a procedure to eliminate PFAS in all products, except where the state determines the use is “currently unavoidable,” meaning that the use is both critical for health or safety and a safer alternative is not available.
Capped With Toxics! New report finds toxic chemicals in the plastic liners of metal bottle caps
July 14, 2021
A new report by the Toxic-Free Food Campaign titled “Capped With Toxics” found toxic chemicals called ortho-phthalates in more than one-third of the 141 beverage brands tested.
Why We Are Thinking About Non-Toxic Reuse
June 30, 2021
As we move away from disposable products and focus on incentivizing reusables and creating systems for reuse, we need to make sure that those reusable products are non-toxic and sustainable too.
Honoring Juneteenth
June 18, 2021
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day freedom finally came to enslaved people in the state of Texas - nearly two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. While today is a day of celebration, it is also a day of acknowledgement and recommitment to unraveling the systemic inequality that remains in place to this day.
Vermont Governor Signs First-in-Nation Restrictions on Toxic PFAS Chemicals
May 19, 2021
PORTLAND, O.R.—Today, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed into law a nation-leading bill that restricts the sale of consumer products that contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS. The bill bans PFAS chemicals from firefighting foam, food packaging, ski wax, and carpets, rugs, and stain-resistant treatments.
As Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Imperil Human Reproduction, States are Leading the Way Out
April 21, 2021
The new book “Count Down” by environmental and reproductive epidemiologist Shanna Swan crystallizes just how dangerous endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenols, are to human reproductive health – and even pose a threat to the potential survival of the human species. States have been leading the charge to combat these harmful chemicals.
