The rule will protect health by preventing unnecessary exposure to the ‘forever chemicals’. It will also prevent PFAS contamination and high costs to clean up the chemicals that threaten drinking water systems, wastewater treatment plants, and communities living near contaminated sites.
The new rule prohibits manufacturing, selling, or distributing priority consumer products that contain intentionally added PFAS starting January 1, 2027. The products include cleaning items, apparel and accessories, and automotive washes.
The new rule requires reporting of intentional use of PFAS in the following consumer products effective January 1, 2026: apparel intended for extreme and extended use; footwear; gear for recreation and travel; automotive waxes; cookware and kitchen supplies; firefighting personal protective equipment; floor waxes and polishes; hard surface sealers; and ski waxes.
For each product category, the department had the option to restrict PFAS, require reporting, or take no action based on the availability of safer solutions.
The products requiring reporting have also been targeted for continued evaluation of safer alternatives in Cycle 2 of the Safer Products for Washington programme. If safer alternatives are identified, restrictions could be finalised in 2028.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)
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