New York’s Ban on PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Apparel in Effect
Advocates call on Legislators to Ban More Uses in 2025-26 Session
For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 2, 2025
Contact: Jasmine Phillip, Clean+Healthy, jasmine@cleanhealthyny.org
Albany, NY — January 1, 2025 marked the official start of New York State’s ban on PFAS “forever chemicals” in apparel sold in the state. This groundbreaking legislation represents a pivotal step in reducing the use of this class of over 15,000 “forever chemicals” that wreak havoc on human health and the environment. The PFAS in Apparel Law prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of clothing containing intentionally added PFAS. With this legislation, New York becomes a leader in addressing the prevalence of PFAS in everyday products.
PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a class of human-made chemicals used to provide water, stain, and grease resistance, and which do not break down naturally. Due to this, they build up in the environment and our bodies, which is why they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Once they are in our bodies, absorbed through our skin, inhaled from contaminated air or dust, or ingesting in food, they can cause or contribute to a host of health problems including reproductive and infertility challenges, developmental and behavioral challenges in children, reduced immune function, hormone interference, increased cholesterol and risk of obesity, and cancer. When worn, PFAS coatings can break down and be absorbed through skin or enter the air to be inhaled. When washed, PFAS from apparel can enter the waste water, ultimately contaminating drinking and ground water.
PFAS contamination is a widespread issue, affecting drinking water, soil, even the air we breathe. By targeting apparel, a product that everyone uses, this law tackles one of the more accessible sources of exposure for consumers.
“New York has led the nation in banning the sale of products made with toxic chemicals, including PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in recent years. This year, those prior actions are helping to shift the national clothing market away from these poisons, and are part of the necessary work of turning off the tap of PFAS and other toxics flowing into everyday life,” said Bobbi Wilding, Executive Director of Clean+Healthy, an environmental health and justice advocacy organization based in Albany, NY. “But without further leadership action, the tap remains open, as PFAS flow into our homes in paint, pots and pans, personal care products, other textiles, and so much more. We look forward to working with legislators to pass critical legislation in the coming session.”
This ban is part of a broader movement to phase out all avoidable uses of PFAS. In 2025, Clean+Healthy and other advocates will seek passage of:
Ban on PFAS in Consumer Products: This bill joins states across the US in banning the sale of PFAS in everyday household and office products dental floss, cleaning products, cookware, ski wax, architectural paint, textiles, rugs, and children’s products.
The Beauty Justice Justice Act: This bill builds on efforts in California, Washington, and Maryland to ban toxic ingredients including PFAS and chemicals shown to disproportionately harm women and femmes of color: heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in personal care products sold in NYS. These chemicals can cause or contribute to many health issues like asthma, allergies, hormone disruption, neurodevelopmental problems, infertility, and even cancer.
Ban on PFAS and other Toxics in Menstrual Products: This bill will ensure that menstrual products sold in New York State are made without restricted substances including PFAS, lead, mercury, formaldehyde, and toluene. These chemicals can cause or contribute to cancer, and can disrupt hormones that are linked to infertility. Since these products are necessary for hygiene purposes, toxic-free items must be made available to consumers so they are not inevitably harmed by products that they use regularly for decades of their lives.
Ban Toxic Chemicals in Packaging: The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act includes restrictions on fifteen chemicals, classes and materials that can cause or contribute to human health and environmental problems. This includes PFAS. As reuse of materials increases, it becomes even more important that original materials are free of harmful chemicals.
“Legislation like this is important as it demonstrates New York has the power to make decisions that progress the health and wellbeing of its citizens while setting a precedent for other states and industries to follow suit. Clean+Healthy applauds New York for its leadership and urges manufactures, retailers, and policymakers nationwide to adopt similar measures to protect people and the planet,” Wilding added.
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Clean+Healthy is an environmental health and justice advocacy organization based in Albany, NY with a mission to build a just+healthy world where toxic chemicals are simply unthinkable. Learn more at cleanandhealthy.org
