The sale of some new clothing that contains PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” has been outlawed in New York. The law became operative on January 1, 2025. The purpose of the new rule is to shield consumers from exposure to dangerous chemicals that have been connected to certain cancers, developmental delays in children, and problems with reproductive health.
Businesses who sell products with “intentionally added” PFAS chemicals were given time to comprehend the changes in the legislation and prepare for their adoption this year by the 2022 bill. The law stipulates that any seller of clothing must possess a compliance certification from the manufacturer or supplier. These compliance certifications “must be made available to the DEC upon request,” according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) website.
Clothing that is intended to be waterproof or stain-resistant contains PFAS chemicals. Certain materials are treated with the chemicals to make them resistant to grease and water. The bill covers a variety of clothing types, including formal, casual, and everyday attire. The clothing is suitable for all age groups and contains, among other things, onesies, bibs, and diapers in addition to shirts, dresses, and slacks.
We definitely don’t want to be wearing clothes that contain harmful chemicals, thus PFAS in garments in particular is a problem. In 2025, Donovan’s NRDC team and state representatives will try to pass more PFAS consumer bills. Textiles, home goods, and personal hygiene and care items are covered by the bills.
