[Comment Period] Regulatory Proposal: 45-Day Comment Period for PFASs in Treatments for Converted Textiles or Leathers

November 8, 2021

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The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is seeking public comment on the regulatory proposal to list Treatments Containing Perfluoroalkyl or Polyfluoroalkyl Substances for Use on Converted Textiles or Leathers as a Priority Product. 

 

Summary

DTSC is proposing a regulation to list Treatments Containing Perfluoroalkyl or Polyfluoroalkyl Substances for Use on Converted Textiles or Leathers as a Priority Product. DTSC has determined that there is potential for exposure to perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances from these products and there is potential for that exposure to contribute to or cause significant or widespread adverse impacts. 

If you would like to submit a comment for this regulatory proposal, please click on “Submit a Comment” and then follow the prompts. Your comments will be available to the public, may be read by other interested parties, and will become part of the permanent rulemaking record. Comments must be made by the deadline, November 8, 2021, in order to be considered.  

You can read the Initial Statement of Reasons, the 45-day Notice, the text of the proposed regulation, and the documents that support it by clicking on the links on this page. 

DTSC is proposing this regulation because DTSC has identified treatments for converted textiles or leathers as significant sources of human and ecological exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), especially via inhalation during product use. Treatments for converted textiles or leathers are frequently used in homes and in several occupations.

All PFASs have at least one hazard trait as defined under the SCP regulations. PFASs or their transformation products are highly persistent in the environment. Many PFASs also display significant mobility in environmental media. Some members of the PFAS class bioaccumulate in animals or plants, undergo lactational or transplacental transfer from mothers to their offspring, and are known to exhibit toxicological or environmental hazard traits. Studies indicate that some PFASs can cause reproductive and developmental, liver and kidney, and immunological effects, as well as tumors in laboratory animals. The most consistent findings from human epidemiology studies are a small increase in serum cholesterol levels among exposed populations, with more limited findings related to infant birth weights, effects on the immune system, cancer, and thyroid hormone disruption. Some PFASs have also been linked to phytotoxicity, aquatic toxicity, and terrestrial ecotoxicity. 

Based on the criteria in the Safer Consumer Products regulations, DTSC has determined that the treatments containing PFASs for use on converted textiles or leathers have the potential to cause significant and widespread adverse impacts to sensitive subpopulations, including fetuses, infants, young children, pregnant women, carpet and upholstery cleaners, workers in upholstered furniture, furnishings, clothing, shoes, and carpet stores, as well as auto dealership workers and auto detailing technicians; to environmentally sensitive habitats; and to threatened and endangered species. Given the known hazard traits, replacing currently used PFASs in the treatments for converted textiles or leathers with other members of the PFAS class could constitute a regrettable substitution.