State legislatures take the lead on turning off tap on toxic chemicals

(Portland, OR) – States are stepping up to protect public health from harmful chemicals, according to an analysis by Safer States. The analysis found that at least 29 states will consider more than 180 policies to require companies to disclose what is in their products as well as limit exposures to toxic chemicals. These policies include bans on PFAS in food packaging and firefighting foam as well as bans on toxic flame retardants in electronics. The analysis, including a searchable database, is available online at SaferStates.org/bill-tracker.

As the Trump EPA continues its assault on the environment and public health, states continue to take action to protect the public from harmful chemicals. Last year, states including Washington, New Hampshire, Colorado and Maine passed policies to restrict the use of cancer-causing chemicals like PFAS, phthalates and flame retardants. This year, 26 states have introduced policies to limit the use of PFAS, while 11 states are proposing limiting flame retardants.

“States are at the forefront of creating community health protections from toxic threats like forever PFAS chemicals and this year is no different,” said Sarah Doll, National Director of Safer States. “The news about widespread PFAS contamination, chemicals in plastics and flame retardants in electronics have spurred legislators to take broader action for the sake of public and environmental health.”

CONTINUE READING ON saferchemicals.org