Colorado introduces bill tackling forever chemicals
Colorado has passed a law banning the sale of products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as forever chemicals, according to an article published in CBS News.
Although forever chemicals help give products waterproof and nonstick properties, they can bioaccumulate in the body and environment, causing diseases such as infertility, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The law, which will go into effect in 2025, will require companies selling products containing forever chemicals to disclose their use of the chemicals on labels. In 2026, the law will begin to prohibit the sale of dental floss, cookware, cleaning products, menstruation products and ski wax made with forever chemicals. In 2028, certain clothes, backpacks and outdoor waterproof apparel will be banned.
Colorado state Sen. Lisa Cutter, who supported the law’s passing, suggested that with legislative prompting, companies can innovate alternative products that refrain from using harmful chemicals.
“Certainly, there are cases where it’s not plausible right away to gravitate away from [forever chemicals], but we need to be moving in that direction. Our community shouldn’t have to pay the price for their health,” she concluded.
The ADA is continuing to monitor the issue of polytetrafluorethylene in oral care products and is in communication with the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, which has been working in this space at the state level. To date, the ADA sees no cause for concern based on the current evidence and maintains its recommendation that people clean between their teeth daily with floss or other interdental cleaner as part of the ADA’s daily oral hygiene recommendations.
Read more: CBS News
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