An increasing number of state legislatures are considering enacting bans on cosmetics and various consumer products that contain a group of synthetic chemicals known as PFAS, which pose potential harm to individuals.

Vermont's state Senate has recently granted final approval to a groundbreaking legislation that aims to prohibit the sale and distribution of cosmetics and menstrual products containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), along with other chemicals. These substances are commonly found in items such as shampoo, makeup, deodorant, sunscreen, and hair dyes.

California, Colorado, and Maryland have already passed similar restrictions on cosmetics that will go into effect by 2025. Additionally, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Rhode Island, and Georgia are currently considering proposals to address this issue. The aim is to safeguard public health and reduce the potential risks associated with exposure to PFAS. Studies conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency have linked PFAS exposure to various health problems, including an increased risk of cancer, developmental delays in children, organ damage, elevated cholesterol levels, and impaired immune functions—especially among young children.

Lauren Hierl, executive director of Vermont Conservation Voters, emphasized the need to cease the importation of hazardous chemicals like PFAS into the state to prevent the harms they cause throughout the supply chain—from production and use to disposal. This call for action echoes the concerns of numerous environmental advocacy groups aiming to safeguard public health and protect the environment from the persistence of "forever chemicals" like PFAS.

In March, the US Environmental Protection Agency proposed federal limits on PFAS chemicals in drinking water, anticipating that such protections would save lives and prevent serious illnesses, including cancer. The use of PFAS in consumer products and industries, such as nonstick pans, food packaging, and firefighting foam, has been gradually phased out in the US. However, some remnants still persist, leading to mounting pressure to eliminate PFAS from food packaging as well.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Notre Dame in 2021 unveiled alarming results—more than half of the cosmetics sold in the United States and Canada contained fluorine, an indicator of PFAS, which is associated with severe health conditions. The study tested over 230 commonly used cosmetic products, revealing that 56% of foundations and eye products, 48% of lip products, and 47% of mascaras contained this toxic industrial compound. While the US Food and Drug Administration acknowledges limited research on the presence of PFAS in cosmetics, published studies have indicated that the concentration levels are generally low.

The Personal Care Products Council, representing the cosmetics industry, expressed support in 2020 for California legislation aiming to phase out certain ingredients, including 13 PFAS chemicals in cosmetics, as well as identical legislative language in Maryland the following year. The council urges states to pass uniform laws to minimize confusion surrounding compliance and regulation. Similarly, the American Apparel & Footwear Association supports the bill unanimously passed in the Vermont Senate, noting that it aligns with existing PFAS restrictions in California and New York. The Outdoor Industry Association, based in Colorado, also supports the Vermont bill and acknowledges its compliance timeline similarity to that of California.

With an increasing number of states contemplating bans on cosmetics containing PFAS, the public's health and the environment's well-being take center stage. Advocates aim to curb the potential harm caused by these "forever chemicals," highlighting the need for stringent regulations and proactive measures to protect individuals and preserve the supply chain. As awareness grows, both the cosmetics industry and associated sectors are urged to take steps towards eliminating PFAS and ensuring safer consumer products for all.

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Yvon Lux is the editor of her Apple News channel covering triumphs and challenges relating to the modern day woman. Her “blogazine” celebrates sisterhood and empowers women by focusing on women’s health, travel, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial news while also sharing the most coveted beauty news and style stories.

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