California bans forever chemicals in cosmetics as health and environmental concerns proliferate

18 Oct 2022 --- Governor of California Gavin Newsom has signed the PFAS-Free Beauty Act or Assembly Bill 2771, a law that bans intentionally added toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals,” from cosmetics sold in California, US. The bill intends to protect personal care and beauty consumers from the risk of chemical build-up that can lead to health issues including cancer, reports Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP).

From January 2025, the bill will prohibit a person or entity from manufacturing, selling, delivering, holding or offering for sale in commerce any cosmetic product that contains intentionally added PFAS.

Protection from “forever chemicals”
PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the blood and organs. They are among the most persistent toxic compounds in existence because of their carbon-fluorine bond – one of the strongest bonds known in nature, highlight the bill and BCPP.

“Toxic PFAS have no place in our consumer products,” says Laura Friedman, Glendale City Council and Assembly member, who authored the law.

“California will now ban these harmful chemicals from our cosmetics and personal care products. Our state has already banned PFAS in juvenile products and paper-based food packaging. Soon, Californians won’t have to worry about putting their health or loved ones at risk by doing something as routine as applying lotion or wearing makeup.”Cosmetics containing PFAS will be prohibited in California from January 2025.

Resistance and acceptance
BCPP claims that Honeywell tried to interfere in California’s decision to ban PFAS and lobbied the governor to veto the cosmetic safety bill because a PFAS ban would require companies to replace PFAS chemicals in existing products. 

For instance, chemicals like PFAS hydro-fluoro olefins used as propellants in aerosolized cosmetic products would need to be replaced.

“Consumers will soon be able to avoid these harmful chemicals in the products they slather on their bodies and their babies, which wash down the drain and further contaminate our water systems,” says Nudelman.

“Makeup, lotion and other personal care products we use on our bodies every day shouldn’t contain toxic ingredients that put our health at risk,” states Jenn Engstrom, state director of California Public Interest Research Group.

“This is a huge deal. California has the largest statewide market for cosmetics and the sixth biggest economy in the world,” adds Susan Little, Environmental Working Group’s senior advocate for California government affairs.

Environmental pollution challenges
BCPP underscores that PFAS chemicals that are washed off bodies can enter wastewater and pose a pollution challenge for sanitation agencies, as it can contribute to the drinking water contamination “already facing 16 million Californians.”

The organization also says that even low doses of PFAS in drinking water have been linked to severe health harm.

“In June, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed new lifetime health advisories for four PFAS compounds in water. The guidelines are a stark reminder of just how toxic these chemicals are to human health, even at infinitesimal levels,” flags BCPP.

Health harms and avoidance
Some PFAS are linked to a higher risk of harm to the immune system, reduced vaccine efficacy, damage to the development and the reproductive system, and increased risk of certain cancers, like breast cancer. Moreover, the body’s metabolism is also negatively impacted, shares the BCPP.

“The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found PFAS in the blood of 97% of Americans, suggesting virtually ubiquitous exposure of Californians to these highly toxic chemicals,” shares the bill.

The organization suggests that those who want to limit PFAS exposure should avoid products marketed as waterproof, grease-resistant or long-lasting. 

“They also should look for a ‘PFAS-free’ label on products. People also can use the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ Chemicals of Concern in cosmetics to learn more about chemicals to avoid, as well as the Clearya app or EWG Healthy Living app to find and avoid products that may contain PFAS.”PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the blood and organs.

“PFAS are used to provide stain, grease and water resistance in a wide variety of consumer products, including food packaging, cookware, cleaning products, rugs and carpets, home furnishings, household linens, childcare products and apparel, including outdoor wear and beauty and personal care products,” outlines the bill.

California takes lead
The bill was approved and filed on September 29 by the governor and state secretary. 

California became the first to ban 13 PFAS from personal care products two years ago. The state has also banned using PFAS in firefighting foam, juvenile products and food packaging.

“Consumers are increasingly demanding safe personal care and beauty products,” comments Janet Nudelman, senior director of program and policy for BCPP and director of BCPP’s campaign for safe cosmetics. 

“Breast cancer survivors and new parents work extra hard to avoid chemicals that could contribute to a re-occurrence of cancer or harm the development of their children.”

Across the Atlantic, the European Commission is set to capitulate to industry demands that it postpone long-awaited plans to enforce a ban on hazardous chemicals such as PFAS, bisphenol and PVC, according to a leaked document.

By Venya Patel

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