California Bans ‘Forever Chemicals' in Fabrics, Makeup

By Bay City News | NBC | October 2, 2022

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"Long-lasting chemicals that may be harmful to humans and animals were banned in textiles, cosmetics and personal care products on Thursday by Gov. Gavin Newsom when he signed two bills into law.

The chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS break down very slowly and some studies have shown that exposure to the substances in the environment may be harmful, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

California is the first state to ban PFAS in textiles. The ban goes into effect in 2025 for many fabrics. The new laws come following two studies by the Green Science Policy Institute, which promotes the safer use of chemicals for human and ecological health.

"The bills just signed by California Governor Newsom banning PFAS in textiles and cosmetics model the best way to stop harm from PFAS: reduce their use in products," said Arlene Blum, executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute. "Once PFAS escape into our air, water, and soil, they stay forever and harm our children and all of us. These two bills will make products, people, and our planet healthier."