'Forever Chemicals' Reckoning Hits Cosmetics with New State Laws
Public Policy & Regulation attorney Meaghan Colligan was interviewed by Bloomberg Law about new state laws targeting the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics and personal care products. California, Colorado and Maryland are among the states imposing bans on these "forever chemicals" in certain beauty products, and lawyers are advising companies to determine where PFAS can enter their supply chain and whether it's possible to remove PFAS from a product or they have to switch to an alternative with the same function. Ms. Colligan commented that some businesses may apply the new rules across all of their U.S. facilities, while others will make adjustments based on jurisdiction. She also remarked these changes bring an opportunity for advocacy at the federal level seeking guidance and uniformity.
"When it starts to cross a critical mass, they might think about changing their inventory more broadly," she said. "So states can really influence these issues before the federal government."
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