WASHINGTON – The Environmental Working Group is today applauding Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) for introducing legislation to ban the use of toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS in cosmetics.
The No PFAS in Cosmetics Act would direct the Food and Drug Administration to issue a proposed rule within 270 days of enactment to ban the intentional use of PFAS as an ingredient in cosmetics, with a final rule due 90 days later.
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) plans to introduce companion legislation in the House this week.
“Toxic forever chemicals have no place in personal care products,” said Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs. “PFAS have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer and harm to the reproductive and immune systems. EWG applauds Sen. Collins and Rep. Dingell for introducing the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act.”
Original co-sponsors include Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Angus King (I-Maine).
PFAS are a large and pervasive family of fluorinated chemicals, some of which have been linked to cancer, reproductive harm, immune system damage and other serious health problems.
Some cosmetics makers have phased out the use of PFAS in their products. But many companies still use the chemicals, according to Skin Deep®, EWG’s database of cosmetics products, which shows manufacturers continue to use PTFE – a PFAS chemical better known as Teflon.
Two state legislatures – Maryland and California – have banned the use of some but not all PFAS in cosmetics.
“Until we ban all PFAS from cosmetics, consumers cannot be confident that their personal care products are free from toxic ‘forever’ chemicals,” Faber said.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
