Policy Options

Defining PFAS as a Class

• PFAS chemicals share a common trait, chains of carbon surrounded by fluorine which make it difficult to break down. Washington passed SB 5135 (2018) the first law to define PFAS as a class and 22 states now use the definition.

Broad PFAS Policies

• Maine LD 1503 (2021) and Minnesota HF 2310 (2023) require disclosure of PFAS in all consumer products and ban PFAS in all products unless the use is necessary for public health or the functioning of society and alternatives are currently unavailable. 

Food Packaging

• Washington HB 2658 (2018) and Maine LD 1433 (2019) prohibit the manufacture and sale of food packaging containing PFAS and phthalate chemicals (only in Maine bill). Bills require their Departments of Environment to conduct an assessment on safer alternatives. 

Firefighting Foams 

• Maryland HB 0275 (2022) replaces PFAS-containing firefighting foam with safer alternatives, requires notification for firefighter turnout gear that contains PFAS, and stops the incineration and landfilling of PFAS foam. 

Drinking Water 

• New Hampshire HB 271 (2021) directs the Department of Environmental Services to set maximum contaminant limits for PFAS. This bill also enables the Department to make grants and loans to eligible municipalities, drinking water, and wastewater systems to address PFAS contamination

Medical Monitoring 

• Vermont S 113 (2022) gives individuals the right to seek medical monitoring of diseases linked to toxic chemical exposures from corporate polluters.

Cosmetics

• Oregon SB 546 (2023) and Washington HB 1047 (2023) banned PFAS and other harmful chemicals from cosmetics.