News & Insights: PFAS

New Mexico has become the first state in the nation to require all products containing PFAS to disclose that information directly to consumers, marking a major milestone for transparency and public health. These rules represent a major public health breakthrough and are the result of advocacy and education by communities in New Mexico whose neighborhoods […]

Agency proposal rescinds drinking water standards for four PFAS chemicals and delays compliance deadlines for two others  Health advocates warn rollback will prolong exposure to toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” linked to cancer, immune system harm, and developmental risks WASHINGTON, DC—Today, U.S. EPA  Administrator Lee Zeldin and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, […]

Everybody wants clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, safer homes to live in, and safe food to eat. This shared expectation crosses every community and every state: everyone deserves to live in a world where health comes first and the rules work for people, not polluters. This year made something very clear: people […]

Toxic-Free Future, Safer States, and more than 250 state, local, and national public health and environmental groups sent a joint letter to Congress this week, urging lawmakers to reject the chemical lobby’s efforts to weaken the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the main federal law governing chemicals made, imported, or used in the U.S. The […]

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to roll back critical drinking water standards for certain PFAS “forever” chemicals, reversing national protections put in place just last year to limit contamination from these toxic chemicals. EPA will rescind and reconsider maximum contamination limits (MCLs) for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (commonly known as GenX), and PFBS, and will delay implementation of standards for PFOA and PFOS.

For years, the packaging used to hold our food—like wrappers, containers, and boxes —has been a hidden source of harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These toxic substances can interfere with our hormones and contribute to serious health problems, including cancer, infertility, and developmental issues. But that’s starting to change. Thanks to bold state leadership, corporate action, […]

Anticipated 2025 state actions will also focus on toxic chemicals in cosmetics and plastics At least 32 states will likely consider more than 340 policies addressing toxic chemicals and plastics, with policies that both prevent and manage harm to public health PORTLAND, OR⸺Today, Safer States released its 2025 Analysis of State Legislation Addressing Toxic Chemicals […]

Happy New Year! Starting January 1, 2025, several state policies targeting PFAS “forever chemicals” went into effect, marking a major milestone in protecting public health and helping transform the national marketplace. These policies will restrict PFAS and other chemicals of concern in everyday products, demonstrating how states are leading the way to reduce toxic exposure […]

As we approach the midyear, many state legislative sessions have concluded or are winding down. As of today, 12 states have adopted at least 20 policies that aim to transform our economic system into one that protects communities and creates incentives for industry to develop safer chemicals and materials. We anticipate this momentum to continue […]

Adopted with unanimous support, Vermont’s new law is the first in the nation to restrict phthalates, formaldehyde, mercury, and lead among other chemicals in menstrual products  Health advocates applaud the move and anticipate more government and corporate policies to follow WASHINGTON, DC⸺Today, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed into law the first-ever ban on phthalates, formaldehyde, […]