WASHINGTON, D.C. –Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Annie Kuster (D-NH), and John Katko (R-NY) recently introduced the bipartisan No PFAS in Cosmetics Act, which would ban the use of harmful forever chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics. The legislation would require the Food and Drug Administration to ban the use of PFAS in cosmetic products within 270 days of the bill’s enactment. Senator Susan Collins and Senator Blumenthal have introduced the companion bill in the U.S. Senate.
“Americans deserve access to personal care products free from harmful toxins such as PFAS,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “The more we learn about these chemicals, the clearer the danger becomes. We must act swiftly to stop the use of these harmful chemicals and protect consumers with the bipartisan No PFAS in Cosmetics Act.”
“PFAS chemicals are in products that we use every single day and most Americans don’t even know the danger they face daily,” said Rep. Dingell. “Just the other day, I looked at the label on my lipstick and didn’t see PFAS, and because it’s not labeled, we don’t know exactly what dangerous chemicals could be transferred from our personal care products. We need strong, bipartisan policies to address the PFAS crisis, and with the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act, we can work together to protect consumers and prevent these chemicals from reaching our environment.”
“The lack of transparency and safeguards for ingredients in personal care and cosmetic products is alarming and leaves Americans vulnerable to potentially dangerous chemicals, including PFAS,” said Rep. Kuster. “From shampoo to makeup, consumers deserve to know that the products they use are safe for them, their families, and our environment. I’m proud to support the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act to ensure Americans can trust that the cosmetic products they are using are safe and free of toxic PFAS chemicals.”
“PFAS chemicals showing up in our soil, air, and drinking water systems pose serious threats to our public health,” said Rep. Katko. “I’m glad to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in introducing the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act to protect consumers and stop these toxic chemicals before they reach our environment.”
“Toxic forever chemicals have no place in personal care products,” said Scott Faber, the Environmental Working Group’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 Rep. Dingell for introducing the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act.”
A recent study from the Green Science Policy Institute found traces of PFAS in 56% of the 231 cosmetic products they tested. Most recently, as a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, Rep. Fitzpatrick, along with Reps. Dingell, Upton, and Kildee, also introduced the bipartisan PFAS Action Act with Rep. Fred Upton to protect Americans from these harmful forever chemicals. This legislation would set national drinking water standards, designate PFAS as a hazardous substance under the Superfund Program and Clean Air Act as well as listing it under the Clean Water Act.
Please click here to view the text of the bill.
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