SACRAMENTOCalifornia Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), in an effort to protect California’s environment and public safety from ongoing releases of a large number of hazardous chemicals, has adopted a new rule that requires certain after-market treatment products manufacturers to consider safer alternatives.
TheRegulationTreatments containing perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, such as cleaners and spot removers, are subject to the regulation. These treatments can be used on textile or leather products, such as carpets, upholstery, and clothing. The regulation, which came into effect April 1, does NOT apply to treatments used in the manufacturing of textile and leather products or to actual textile or leather products.
Because some PFASs can persist indefinitely if released into the environment, they are often called “forever chemicals”. PFASs with a high rate of breakdown will usually form other PFASs. There is evidence that some PFASs can harm the growth, reproduction, and survival in animals and plants. They have also been linked to health problems in humans, including liver and kidney cancers, as well as disrupted hormone function.
Several PFASs can be extremely persistent and toxic and have been found in our streams and soil, as well as our bodies, according to Meredith Williams, Director of DTSC. This regulation will go a long way in protecting Californians, our environment, and is yet another way DTSC is encouraging the industry to seek safer alternatives to these dangerous chemicals.
These products are used by many workers, including shoe and leather workers as well as people who clean vehicles and buildings. These products are often available as aerosol sprays that pose an increased risk of inhalation. Research has shown that mothers who inhale PFASs can pass them along to their children and nursing babies.
Manufacturers from both domestic and international countries have until May 31to notifyIf they sell these types treatments in California, DTSC.
This is the second regulation DTSCs have made in relation to PFAS.Safer Consumer ProductsThis program requires manufacturers to evaluate whether there are safer alternatives to potentially harmful chemicals in consumer products. In July 2021 DTSC required carpet and rug manufacturers to evaluate whether there were safer alternatives to PFASs in their products sold in California.
The Safer Consumer Products Program of DTSCs is currently looking at regulating other consumer products sold within California.
- Nonylphenol-ethoxylates (NPEs), laundry detergents
- N-Methylpyrrolidone-based paint and varnish removers and graffiti removal products
- Nail products containing toluene or methyl methacrylate
- Motor vehicle tires containing zinc
- 6PPD motor vehicle tires