Newsom signs laws banning ‘chemicals forever’ in children’s products and food packaging

Governor of California Gavin NewsomGavin NewsomNewsom signs laws banning “chemicals forever” in children’s products, food packaging Jason Aldean says Californians “should be outraged” by mandate for school vaccines California State Park’s native name has been restored MORE (D) on Tuesday signed two laws banning the use of toxic “forever” chemicals in children’s products and disposable food packaging, as well as a set of bills to overhaul the state’s recycling operations , announced his office that evening.

“California’s hallmark is solving problems through innovation, and we are harnessing that spirit to reduce the waste filling our landfills and generating harmful pollutants that are causing the climate crisis,” Newsom said in a statement. hurry.

The pollutants responsible for the first two laws are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of toxic compounds linked to kidney, liver, immunological, developmental and reproductive problems. These so-called “eternal chemicals” are best known to contaminate waterways via fire-fighting foam, but they are also key ingredients in a line of household products like non-stick pans, toys, makeup, etc. fast food containers and waterproof clothing.

One of the laws, introduced by Congresswoman Laura Friedman (D), prohibits the use of PFAS in children’s products, such as car seats and cribs, effective July 1, 2023, according to the office of the governor.

“As a mother, it’s hard for me to think of a higher priority than the safety and well-being of my child,” Friedman said in a press release from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). “PFAS has been linked to serious health problems, including hormonal disturbances, kidney and liver damage, thyroid disease, and immune system disturbances.

“This new law puts an end to the use of PFAS in products intended for our children,” she added.

Bill Allayaud, director of government affairs for EWG in California, praised Newsom “for giving parents confidence that the products they buy for their children are free from toxic PFAS.”

“It is encouraging that for this legislation, the chemical industry has joined with consumer advocates to create a reasonable solution, as public awareness increases the health risks posed by exposure to PFAS,” he said. he said in a statement.

Since the PFAS coating on infant car seats and bedding wears out over time, toxins can enter dust that children might inhale, according to the EWG.

Second PFAS Law, proposed by MP Philip Ting (D), bans PFAS intentionally added to food packaging and requires kitchenware manufacturers to disclose the presence of PFAS and other chemicals on products and labels online – effective January 1, 2023.

“PFAS chemicals have been a hidden threat to our health for far too long,” Ting said in a second press release from the EWG. “I applaud the governor for signing my bill, which allows us to target, as well as limit, some of the harmful toxins that come into contact with our food.”

Despite the widely recognized risks of exposure to PFAS, the Environmental Protection Agency has only established “health advisory levels” for the two most well-known compounds rather than regulating the more than 5,000 types of PFAS. States like California have therefore begun to enact pieces of legislation themselves. Although the House passed a bill in July that would require the EPA to set standards, the accompanying legislation has yet to reach the Senate.

“This law provides momentum in the fight against non-essential uses of PFAS,” David Andrews, senior scientist at the EWG, said in a statement. “California has joined the effort to protect Americans family and friends from toxic chemicals forever.”

On recycling, Newsom has signed a law banning the use of deceptive recycling labels, as well as legislation to educate consumers and hold the industry accountable. The recycling bills are used to supplement a portion of $ 270 million of the state budget that will go towards modernizing recycling systems and promoting a circular economy, according to his office.

Other measures in the recycling package include provisions to discourage the export of plastic that becomes waste, greater flexibility for operations at beverage container recycling centers, and labeling requirements to ensure that products designated as “compostable” are truly compostable.

“With today’s action and bold investments to transform our recycling systems, the state continues to pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for the planet and all of our communities,” Newsom said .