Toxic flame retardants and chemical disclosure top toxic chemical issues for states

(Portland, OR) – In an effort to fill regulatory gaps left by the federal government, states are stepping up to protect public health from harmful chemicals, according to an analysis by Safer States. The analysis found that at least 28 states will consider more than 100 policies to require companies to disclose what is in their products as well as limit exposures to toxic chemicals, including bans on PFAS in food packaging and firefighting foam as well as bans on toxic flame retardants. The analysis, including a searchable database, is available online at saferstates.com/bill-tracker.

With the Trump EPA rolling back environmental protections, states are taking the lead to protect their residents from harmful chemicals, particularly PFAS chemicals. Last year, the state of Washington passed restrictions on PFAS in food packaging and firefighting foam and this year, at least 13 states are considering similar legislation. These actions come in the wake of serious failures by the EPA to protect drinking water or provide meaningful action that would warn communities about exposure or provide adequate funding for cleanup.

“As the Federal EPA falters and drags its feet, states are on the front line of protecting citizens from toxic chemicals by enacting strong policies” said Sarah Doll, National Director of Safer States. “Year after year, state policies grounded in cutting-edge science push the regulatory bar higher and create lasting, life-improving changes to the lives of people across the United States.”

The trend to eliminate flame retardants continues in this session with several states introducing measures to eliminate these harmful chemicals from furniture, children’s products, and mattresses, harmonizing with policy recently adopted in California. Others are focusing their attention on eliminating toxic flame retardants from electronics a year after the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommended a similar ban and advised manufacturers find safer alternatives.