New York | New Law Prohibits Use of PFAS in Clothing and Textiles in New York

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed Bill S6291A into law that prohibits the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in apparel as intentionally added chemicals.

The law, which amends the state's environmental conservation law to ban the sale of any apparel containing PFAS, is set to go into effect on December 31, 2023. The bill defines apparel as a range of clothing items including undergarments, formal wear, and diapers.

The use of PFAS in clothing and textiles is a concern due to their potential impact on human health and the environment. Research has linked certain PFAS compounds, such as PFOA and PFOS, to cancer and other medical issues, and PFAS chemicals have been found to be persistent in the environment and capable of contaminating groundwater.

Other states, including California, Vermont, and Massachusetts, are also considering action to regulate the use of PFAS in garments.