On October 13, California Governor Newsom vetoed the SB682 bill, which would have banned the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various products throughout the state. The governor expressed concerns that the bill would bring significant changes to consumers’ choices in cookware in the short term.
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds widely used in non-stick cookware, waterproof materials, heat-resistant products, and stain-resistant items. SB682 aimed to prohibit the use of PFAS in cookware, cleaning products, dental floss, children’s items, food packaging, ski wax, and more. The ban on cookware was set to take effect in 2030, while products in other categories would be impacted starting in 2028.
Governor Newsom acknowledged the good intentions behind SB682 to protect consumers but expressed concerns about the impact of the ban on affordable product supplies.
Dr. Anna Reade, the director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, criticized Governor Newsom’s decision, emphasizing the increasing awareness of the health and environmental risks posed by forever chemicals and calling for market options that do not contain PFAS in household products.
PFAS can persist in soil and water bodies for hundreds of years, and research has linked these chemicals to various health issues, including certain cancers, immune system disorders, and hormonal disruptions.
Despite opposition to SB682, opponents clarified that rejecting the bill did not equate to supporting PFAS. The California Manufacturers and Technology Association highlighted that the bill failed to distinguish between harmful PFAS and stable, inert fluoropolymers like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which are FDA-approved for food contact and used in medical equipment.
The association emphasized that these materials do not pose environmental or health risks and have been safely utilized for decades. They also warned that the bill’s ban on related products could potentially force manufacturers to relocate logistics operations out of state, leading to a loss of job opportunities in California.
Similarly, the Cookware Sustainability Alliance pointed out that the fluoropolymers mainly used in the industry, particularly PTFE, do not exhibit the harmful characteristics of non-polymeric PFAS of concern. They stressed that harmful substances should be the focus of environmental and public health policy regulations.
Across the United States, several states, including Vermont, have enacted legislation to restrict the use of PFAS. In 2024, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed a bill prohibiting manufacturers from intentionally adding PFAS to menstrual products, cosmetics, certain consumer goods, and food packaging. The legislation also restricted the use and sale of PFAS-containing Class B firefighting foam and personal protective equipment.
Furthermore, states like Maine and Minnesota have also taken similar measures to address the use of PFAS.