California’s legislature has approved a bill restricting the use of PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in food packaging, cookware, cleaning products, dental floss, ski wax and some children’s items. The Assembly passed the measure 41-19, with 20 abstentions. It now awaits the Governor’s signature, with a deadline of 12 October.
If enacted, the legislation will phase in restrictions over several years. Most products must comply by 2028, while cookware faces a 2030 deadline and certain cleaning products by 2031. The law targets “intentionally added” PFAS, citing risks to both public health and the environment.
California previously limited PFAS in textiles, cosmetics, menstrual products, firefighting foam and some children’s products. This latest bill expands those restrictions, though industry groups have expressed concern. Cookware manufacturers and trade associations argue that nonstick coatings using PTFE, a type of PFAS, are safe when used properly and worry about potential impacts on product affordability and accessibility.
Advocacy groups supporting the legislation highlight widespread PFAS contamination. Estimates suggest nearly half of US tap water contains PFAS, with 98% of Americans carrying traces in their blood. Research associates PFAS exposure with kidney and testicular cancers, liver and kidney damage, immune suppression, and developmental and reproductive effects.
If signed, California will join other states, including Colorado, Connecticut and Minnesota, in limiting PFAS in consumer products.