A new law will ban added PFAS in certain consumer goods, starting in 2027

By Kate Dario | New Hampshire Public Radio | August 9, 2024

Read the full article by Kate Dario (New Hampshire Public Radio)

"Gov. Chris Sununu signed a new law last Friday that will ban the sale of added PFAS in some consumer products starting in 2027, create a new standard to hold polluters accountable, and ensure that funds received by the state from PFAS litigation will be used to provide clean water for people affected by PFAS contamination.

PFAS, a type of man-made chemical commonly used in consumer goods, are often called “forever chemicals” because of how long they persist in the body and the environment. They have been linked to a myriad of health problems, including certain types of cancers, high cholesterol, and decreased immune system function. In New Hampshire, Merrimack and communities in the Seacoast have particularly high rates of exposure from contaminated water.

The new law will prohibit PFAS in consumer items like food packaging, menstrual products, children's toys, cosmetics, textiles, carpets and more. It will also create and fund a position with the department of environmental services to enforce PFAS control measures."