PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering a ban on PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” in many everyday products, including makeup, infant clothing and bedding, and menstrual products.
Montgomery County Democrat Greg Scott held a House committee hearing on Sept. 7th as he prepares to introduce legislation that he said has bipartisan support.
“These risks demand our immediate action and attention. We are committed to creating and examining legislation that seeks to ban the intentional use of PFAs in industrial applications, while making necessary exceptions for essential uses,” Scott said. He added that the legislation would focus on nonessential consumer products.
PFAS are a broad range of chemicals known for properties such as stain prevention, water resistance, and fire retardance. Stephanie Wine from PennEnvironment said PFAs are linked to several cancers, thyroid problems, reproductive issues, and developmental issues in children.
“PFAs are called Forever chemicals because they're nearly indestructible and can build up in the environment and in our bodies over time,” she said.
Scott said he plans to target PFAS use in everyday items like dental floss, menstrual products, infant clothing and bedding, and cosmetics.
Robert Simon with the American Chemistry Council said while there may be consumer products where PFAs aren’t necessary, the term covers a wide range of chemicals, some with important uses, for example, wiring insulation and medical devices.
“Regulation of a product like makeup is very different from an FDA-approved medical product,” Simon said.
Melanie Benesh with the Environmental Working Group said hundreds of companies have pledged to avoid PFAs, showing it can be done.
“We don't need PFAs to make our cosmetics waterproof, and we don't need PFAs to make our dental gloss glide. We don't need PFAs to make our juvenile products be stain-resistant. We don't need PFAs to make our menstrual products work,” Benesh said.
“Sephora, Whole Foods, Credo, and many other companies make their personal care products without PFAs. Walmart and Amazon sell dental floss without PFAs. Major baby product brands like Bumbleride, Chicco, Cleck are made without PFAs. Saalt, Nix, and other menstrual product brands do not use PFAs in their products.”