A bipartisan initiative in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives aims to eliminate harmful chemicals known as “forever chemicals” from common consumer products. State Representative Greg Scott, a Democrat from Montgomery County, introduced legislation this week that seeks to ban PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—from items such as cosmetics, dental floss, children’s products, and menstrual products. The legislation emphasizes the need to address the long-term health risks associated with routine exposure to these chemicals.
PFAS are synthetic substances that do not break down in the environment or the human body, leading to potential health issues, including cancer, immune system suppression, pregnancy-related hypertension, and reduced fertility. These chemicals are commonly used in manufacturing products designed to repel water, oil, and stains.
According to Scott, public concern regarding PFAS has primarily revolved around contaminated drinking water sources near airports and military bases, where firefighting foams containing these chemicals have leached into groundwater. Nevertheless, he pointed out that PFAS are much more widespread than many consumers realize. “These products are used on the face, in the mouth, or by babies and toddlers exploring the world,” Scott stated. “Every time a person uses one of these products, they’re exposed. Over a lifetime, that adds up.”
Support for the bill has crossed party lines, with Rep. Natalie Mihalek, a Republican from Allegheny and Washington Counties, expressing the need for decisive action. She emphasized that consumers cannot easily avoid PFAS on their own. “Forever chemicals got their name for a reason,” Mihalek said, underscoring the urgency for concrete measures in light of growing concerns about chemicals in food, pesticides, and household goods.
Beyond individual health implications, lawmakers have raised alarms about environmental impacts. PFAS-containing products that are disposed of in landfills can break down over time, leading to groundwater contamination that may threaten local drinking water supplies.
House Bill 2145 would prohibit the use of PFAS in the manufacturing of the specified products while allowing manufacturers a transition period to comply with the new regulations. Supporters argue that this approach balances public health priorities with practical deadlines for industry adaptation.
The bill is now advancing through the legislative process, where it will be scrutinized as Pennsylvania considers its response to the increasing national focus on “forever chemicals.” The outcome will reflect the state’s commitment to addressing public health and environmental safety in the face of evolving scientific understanding of these persistent substances.
