FILE - Lip gloss display. (John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, studies have linked PFAS exposure to increased cancer risk, developmental delays in children, damage to organs such as the liver and thyroid, increased cholesterol levels and reduced immune functions, especially among young children.Like in Colorado and California, the proposed Vermont crackdown on PFAS — known as "forever chemicals" for their persistence in the environment — goes beyond cosmetics.
The bill, which now must be considered by the Vermont House, would extend the ban to apparel, including outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions, athletic turf, clothing, ski wax and textiles, including upholstery, draperies, towels and bedding that intentionally contain PFAS.
The bill has been referred to a House committee and the chairwoman said Friday that she's not sure if the panel will get to it this session.
The legislation gives various timelines for the phaseouts."We must stop importing dangerous chemicals like PFAS into our state so we can prevent the harms they are causing up and down the supply chain -- from their production and use to their disposal," Lauren Hierl, executive director of Vermont Conservation Voters, said in a statement.RELATED: Evidence of PFAS, ‘forever chemicals,’ found in toilet paper, study saysIn March, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed the first federal limits on the chemicals in drinking water, saying the protection will save thousands of lives and prevent serious illnesses, including cancer.