One of nation’s most comprehensive bills passes restricting dangerous PFAS chemicals

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DENVER – The Colorado state legislature passed one of the most comprehensive state bills to date restricting the sale of PFAS “forever chemicals” in consumer products as well as fluids used in the extraction of oil and gas products as early as 2024. PFAS are a class of chemicals linked to serious health impacts like cancer, organ damage, and suppression of the immune system, and Colorado joins a growing number of states taking action to help limit further use and exposure. 

“Coloradans should be proud that our state has passed one of the most comprehensive bills in the country to restrict ‘forever chemicals.’ These are dangerous chemicals and there is no reason to allow them in our consumer products,” said Danny Katz, CoPIRG executive director. “Colorado is continuing to act in a bipartisan way to stop the exposure to these chemicals that can leach into our waters and bodies, and cause serious health problems like cancer and impairing immune systems.”

The bipartisan bill, HB22-1345, heads to the governor’s desk next. It will require companies to stop using PFAS chemicals in different consumer products including carpets, furniture, cosmetics, juvenile products, some types of food packaging, and the fluids used in oil and gas production. The bill also requires full containment and safe storage of wastes when PFAS-based firefighting foams are used in firefighting. The bill would also require labeling of cookware containing PFAS.

PFAS are used to provide water- and grease-resistant properties to a wide variety of consumer products because they are specially engineered to be resistant to both heat and water. PFAS pose a threat to air, water and consumer safety because they are highly mobile, do not break down naturally and can build up over time in our environment and bodies. 

For example, they have already had a devastating impact on drinking water supplies in Colorado at a time when the state is suffering through historic drought and cannot afford to lose water to chemical contamination. 

“Widespread PFAS contamination is a serious issue across America. I am happy that Colorado is taking comprehensive action to help turn off the tap on these dangerous ‘forever chemicals.’ said Emily Rogers, PIRG Zero Out Toxics advocate. “Restricting PFAS use is a common-sense idea to protect public health and our environment. I hope to see more states and the federal government follow Colorado’s lead and take strong action to stop PFAS contamination from happening across the country.”

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