State bans on Pfas reduce ‘forever chemicals’ in clothing and textiles, US report finds
Summary
State laws in New York and California banning the use of PFAS chemicals in clothing and textiles have led to a big drop in these harmful chemicals in products. Most tested items showed low or no intentional PFAS use, but some companies still sold products with higher levels, possibly from contamination or ignoring rules.Key Facts
- PFAS are chemicals used to make clothes water, stain, and grease resistant but are harmful to health and the environment.
- New York and California passed laws in 2022 to ban adding PFAS to clothing, effective January 1, 2025.
- Testing found about 80% of 115 products complied with these state bans.
- Brands like Levi’s, Patagonia, and LL Bean stopped using PFAS by the end of 2024.
- Some products still had low PFAS levels due to contamination from factory machinery or unclear reasons.
- About 70% of products with PFAS had levels suggesting unintentional contamination; about 10% were uncertain.
- Companies making diapers, outdoor furniture, and pet products had most violations.
- States may take legal action against companies that break the bans; California will start enforcing rules soon.
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