Newsom signs laws banning 'forever chemicals' in children's products, food packaging

October 12, 2021

Read the full article by Sharon Udasin (The Hill)

"California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed two laws on Tuesday banning the use of toxic “forever chemicals” in children’s products and disposable food packaging, as well as a package of bills to overhaul the state’s recycling operations, his office announced that evening.

“California’s hallmark is solving problems through innovation, and we’re harnessing that spirit to reduce the waste filling our landfills and generating harmful pollutants driving the climate crisis,” Newsom said in a press statement.

The pollutants driving the first two laws are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of toxic compounds linked to kidney, liver, immunological, developmental and reproductive issues. These so-called forever chemicals are most known for contaminating waterways via firefighting foam, but they are also key ingredients in an array of household products like nonstick pans, toys, makeup, fast-food containers and waterproof apparel."

Location:

• North AmericaUS
• North AmericaUSCalifornia

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• ChemicalsPolymer
• ChemicalsAlternatives
• ProductsFood contact materials
• Environment
• Wildlife
• Health
• Legislation
• Monitoring Data
• PFAS Uses
• Disposal