OLYMPIA, Wash. — A new proposal from the Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) would further restrict everyday household items from containing PFAS, also know as “forever chemicals.”
The proposal would limit the us of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in products including clothing, cleaning products and car wash soap.
Those substances are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they can’t break down in the environment, and show up in people and animals.
PFAS are linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental defects, and toxicity to fish and wildlife.
The restrictions on clothing, car wash soaps, and cleaning products would be limited to those made, sold, or distributed in Washington.
The proposal would require manufacturers to report intentionally added PFAS in apparel for extreme and extended use (mountaineering, whitewater kayaking, etc.), footwear, recreation and travel gear, car waxes, cookware and kitchen supplies, firefighting personal protective equipment, floor waxes and polishes, hard surface sealers, and ski waxes.
If the proposal is adopted, the reporting requirements would take effect on January 1, 2026, and restrictions would be implemented on January 1, 2027.
Public comment runs from June 4, 2025 to July 20, 2025.
Comments can be submitted online, or by mail:
Attn: HWTR Safer Products for Washington Rulemaking
Washington Department of Ecology
300 Desmond Dr. SE,
Lacey, WA 98504-7600
Register for the online public hearing scheduled for July 9, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. here.
Register for the online public hearing scheduled for July 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. here.
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