Minnesota is poised to become the first state in the US to ban the use of “forever chemicals” in everyday household items.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are found in almost every type of consumer good – including pots and pans, makeup, menstrual products and even carpets.
But amid rising concerns about the chemicals — beloved for their stain and heat-resistant properties — and their links to fertility problems, liver damage and cancer, the state now plans to ban their use by 2025.
The ban, if signed into law, will be the most far-reaching in America and could force companies to completely rethink their manufacturing processes.
Minnesota takes on chemicals forever: Democratic Governor Tim Walz must sign the bill before it can become law
A House and Senate congressional committee in the state reached agreement on the details of the ban last Thursday.
The bill must now be passed by vote and signed by Democratic Governor Tim Walz before it can become law.
The regulation will ban the use of PFAS in items where it is not essential.
A long list of items that would be affected includes cleaning supplies, fabric treatments, furniture, ski wax and children’s toys.
The chemicals are still allowed to be used in firefighting foam at airports, oil refineries and in protective clothing for firefighters.
Companies must also disclose whether the products they sell in Minnesota contain the chemicals.
Democrat Jeff Brand said, “This piece of legislation, when passed and signed by the governor, will be a big new day in Minnesota.
“It will be a legacy for clean water in the state of Minnesota, as well as public health.”
PFAS chemicals do not degrade in the environment, but accumulate in the air, water, soil and living organisms.
Studies suggest that more than 99 in 100 Americans have detectable levels of the chemicals in the blood as a result.
Democrat Sydney Jordan, for Minneapolis, added: “This will be the strictest PFAS legislation in the country.”
Minnesota invented PFAS. By passing this, Minnesota is going to come up with the solution.”
Democrat Judy Seeberger, of Afton and lead sponsor of the bill, added: “We have a duty to take the lead in eradicating it from the environment, from our bodies, from our consumer products, from our water.”
Politicians say they were spurred into action by the tireless campaign of Amara Strande, 20, who died of liver cancer last month. She believed her illness was caused by the groundwater near her home being contaminated with PFAS.
Lawmakers plan to name the legislation “Amara’s Law” in her honor.
Her father Michael said, “Through her pain and exhaustion, Amara was willing to be a voice for those who have fallen victim to illnesses related to these eternal chemicals.
“Amara called on Minnesota lawmakers to do the right thing by passing laws that not only protect our environment and human life, but also force industries to find alternative ways to manufacture their products without these deadly chemicals.”
The Minnesota-based company 3M, or the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, was instrumental in the development of PFAS.
Pictured above is Michael Strande, Amara’s father who died at the age of 20 from liver cancer that she suggested was related to exposure to PFAS chemicals. Her campaign led lawmakers to work on bills that would ban PFAS chemicals
The company has since faced legal action over health risks associated with the chemicals and, as a result, began phasing out production and developing alternatives.
When they go into effect, Minnesota’s restrictions will be the strictest in the country, with the ban coming five years before a similar move in Maine.
Andrea Lovoll, legislative director of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, said the state’s rules were also stricter than California’s, which don’t cover pots and pans.
Other states with restrictions include New York, which bans PFAS from being added to paper cups, plates, and bowls, and Colorado, which bans its use in foam used on certain aircraft carriers.
The US Environmental Protection Agency last year labeled the chemicals as hazardous substances under the Super Fund Act.
But the EPA dropped an outright ban, after warning that the compounds were more dangerous than previously thought and pose health risks, even at extremely low levels.