U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Richard Blumenthal have introduced the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act, which would ban the inclusion of PFAS chemicals in cosmetics products, such as make-up, moisturizer, and perfume. The bill was co-sponsored by Senators Angus King, Dianne Feinstein, Maggie Hassan, Jeanne Shaheen, Kirsten Gillibrand.
Harmful Man-made Chemicals
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of man-made chemicals, which includes PFOA, PFOS, and GenX. These chemicals can bioaccumulate in bodies over time and have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, decreased fertility, and hormone disruption. First developed in the 1940s, PFAS are traditionally found in food packaging, nonstick pans, clothing, furniture, and firefighting foam.
Specifically, the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act would direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a proposed rule banning the intentional addition of PFAS in cosmetics, as defined by the FDA, within 270 days of enactment, and require a final rule to be issued 90 days thereafter.
FDA to Ban Addition of PFAS in Cosmetics
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Unfortunately, Maine has experienced considerable PFAS contamination, which has not only threatened our water supply, but adversely affected the livelihoods of farmers. In addition to these agricultural and water supply contaminations, we now also know that PFAS appear in products across the spectrum—including cosmetics,” said Senator Collins. “
Americans should be able to trust that the products they are applying to their hair or skin are safe. To help protect people from further exposure to PFAS, our bill would require the FDA to ban the addition of PFAS to cosmetics products.”
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This important legislation would purge poisonous PFAS chemicals lurking in makeup and cosmetics. Chemicals in cosmetics are currently almost completely unregulated, leaving many consumers and makeup wearers vulnerable to these toxic chemicals from everyday use of lipstick, mascara, and other products,” said Senator Blumenthal. “
I am proud to join my Senate colleagues to introduce the bipartisan No PFAS in Cosmetics Act in another step toward eliminating PFAS from our environment and our bodies.”
Source: Senator Collins