Make It Toxic-Free

California eliminates toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in cosmetics and textiles

PFAS are no longer allowed in make-up, personal care products or clothing manufactured in California.

Toxic threats

Staff | TPIN
CALPIRG State Director Jenn Engstrom (left) has helped push for policies to protect Californians from toxic PFAS chemicals.

California is leading the way toward a future where our everyday products aren’t allowed to contain chemicals that put our health at risk.

On Sept. 29, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation to restrict the use of toxic PFAS, a class of compounds nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in our bodies or in the environment. These chemicals are often added to consumer products such as clothing and cosmetics to make them more durable or resistant to water or grease. But exposure to PFAS, even in small amounts over time, has been linked to a wide range of serious health effects including kidney and liver disease, immune system suppression, birth defects and even cancer.

“Makeup, lotion, clothing and other products we use on our bodies every day shouldn’t contain toxic ingredients that put our health at risk,” said CALPIRG State Director Jenn Engstrom. “We applaud Gov. Newsom for signing legislation to protect our communities from the toxic threat of PFAS.”

Laura Deehan, state director of Environment California, added: “Since PFAS don’t break down, when they shed off the products they’re in, they often go down the drain and end up in our waterways. According to CalMatters, PFAS has contaminated the drinking water of nearly 16 million Californians. These new bans mark a crucial step toward curbing the PFAS problem in our environment.”

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