US - California Proposed to Ban the Forever Chemical PFAS in Fabrics to Protect Consumer and Environment

​Building upon California's efforts to scale down the presence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), California introduced AB 1817 - The Safer Clothes and Textiles Act, prohibiting the use of these harmful chemicals in fabrics, beginning January 1, 2024. Clothing, footwear, bedding, drapes and upholstery are some of the common everyday products treated with PFAS to repel water and stains.

The scope of products include apparel, costumes, and accessories, handbags, backpacks, draperies, furnishings, upholstery, beddings, towels, napkins, and tablecloths. However, it does not include carpets and rugs regulated under the Safer Consumer Products Program.

PFAS are a class of approximately 9000 chemicals and have been linked to health problems, including cancer, hormone disruption, thyroid disease and vaccine interference. They are refered to as "forever chemicals" because of their resistance to breaking down, making them persistent in the environment and human body. Consequently, PFAS have detected in the blood of over 98% of Americans.