US' California state bans use of PFAS in apparel, textiles & cosmetics

The new law will ban PFAS in most clothing (including outdoor apparel) and textiles starting January 2025. Outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions that is not marketed for general consumer use and is designed for sports experts has an extension until 2028, but manufacturers will have to disclose that the products are made with PFAS chemicals during 2025-2028, including on online listings.

All intentional uses of PFAS in clothes and textiles will be banned, as will any levels above 100 parts per million (ppm) from 2025-2027, and any levels above 50 ppm after 2027.

Personal protective equipment for workers is exempted from the bill, although the bill’s findings note the need for efforts to ensure that PFAS are removed from protective gear for firefighters and others as soon as possible, according to the US Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

“Because of the size of California’s economy, the law’s influence will be felt not only in California, but well beyond, from the places where textiles are produced to the places where they are disposed of or discarded. It is also likely to affect the presence of PFAS in textiles in other US markets outside California,” wrote Avinash Kar, senior attorney and senior director, health and food, NRDC’s Healthy People & Thriving Communities Programme, on its website.

Chemical companies sell PFAS for application to products like paper and textiles as stain-resistant, water-repellent and grease-proofing treatments. PFAS have been linked to serious health problems, such as cancer, immune system suppression, increased cholesterol levels, pregnancy-induced hypertension, liver damage, reduced fertility and increased risk of thyroid disease.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)