Maine Becomes First State to Enact Broad PFAS Ban

On July 2, Maine passed a sweeping ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in all products by 2030. The ban would affect a wide range of consumer products from cosmetics, dental floss, and cookware, to guitar strings, fire foams, and food packaging.

According to the emergency legislation, sale and distribution of any products where PFAS were intentionally added will be prohibited after January 1, 2030 unless the use of such substances is deemed unavoidable.

Manufacturers of products containing the so-called “Forever Chemicals” after January 1, 2023 will be required to notify the state.

Because this bill was brought to State Congress as an emergency measure, the legislation required two-thirds approval of the State House of Representatives and Senate to be enacted. It did not require the governor’s signature.

The measure passed with 121 State House lawmakers voting in favor, two casting votes against it, and 28 not present.

The law comes at a time when many states are considering similar restrictions on PFAS in consumer products and drinking water.
 

Vermont Bans PFAS from Food Packaging and More

On July 1, 2021, statewide legislation went into effect in Vermont to prohibit the sale and distribution of food packaging, ski wax, firefighting foams, carpets, rugs, and aftermarket stain and water-resistant treatments containing PFAS.

Firefighting foam manufacturers will be required to stop producing, distributing, and selling products containing PFAS by no later than July 1, 2022. Similar constraints on manufacturers of food packaging, rugs, carpets (as well as related treatment products), and ski wax must be followed by July 1, 2023.
 

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Tags: environmental compliance, EPA, maine, PFAS