Representative Michael J. Kelly has introduced House Bill 1295 in the Illinois General Assembly, aiming to significantly expand regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. The bill, part of the 104th General Assembly for 2025-2026, proposes amendments to the existing PFAS Reduction Act with far-reaching implications for manufacturers and consumers.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Mandatory Reporting: By January 1, 2027, manufacturers must submit detailed information to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency about products containing intentionally added PFAS, including product descriptions, PFAS usage purposes, and chemical quantities.
• Product Bans: Starting January 1, 2026, the bill would prohibit the sale of various products containing intentionally added PFAS, including carpets, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, and food packaging.
• Expanded Restrictions: The Pollution Control Board would have the authority to identify additional product categories for PFAS restrictions, with a deadline of January 1, 2033 for implementing these bans.
• Comprehensive Ban: Beginning January 1, 2033, the bill proposes a general ban on selling any product with intentionally added PFAS, unless deemed “currently unavoidable” by the Board.
• Enforcement Mechanisms: The bill includes provisions for testing requirements, compliance certificates, and inter-agency coordination for enforcement.
• Exemptions: The bill also addresses products exempt from these restrictions, including those where PFAS usage is required or authorized under federal law or necessary for military purposes.

This legislation represents a significant step in addressing PFAS contamination, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment.

The bill is currently under review in the Illinois legislature.

States with Comprehensive PFAS Restrictions

Maine
Maine has enacted one of the most comprehensive PFAS laws in the country.

Key provisions include:

• Ban on carpets, rugs, and fabric treatments containing PFAS (effective January 1, 2023)
• Bans on cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, juvenile products, menstruation products, textile articles, ski wax, and upholstered furniture containing PFAS (effective January 1, 2026)
• Ban on all products containing intentionally-added PFAS, with some exceptions (effective January 1, 2032)

Colorado
Colorado has also enacted significant PFAS restrictions, including:

• Ban on carpets, rugs, fabric treatments, food packaging, juvenile products, and oil and gas products containing intentionally added PFAS (effective January 1, 2024)
• Bans on cleaning products, cookware, dental floss, menstruation products, and ski wax containing PFAS (effective January 1, 2026)

Minnesota
Minnesota passed a law in 2023 banning all non-essential uses of PFAS.

States with Specific Product Restrictions

Several states have enacted bans or restrictions on specific products containing PFAS:

• Food Packaging: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington
• Firefighting Foam: Several states including Colorado, New Hampshire, and New York
• Carpets and Rugs: California and New York

States with Drinking Water Standards

Some states have established their own drinking water standards for PFAS, including:

• Massachusetts: 20 ppt for 6 combined PFAS substances
• Vermont: 20 ppt for 5 combined PFAS substances
• New Jersey: 14 ppt for PFOA and 13 ppt for PFOS

How PFAS Effect Humans

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been associated with various adverse health effects in humans based on current scientific evidence. The main health impacts of PFAS exposure include:

Liver Effects

• Altered liver function, including increased cholesterol levels and elevated liver enzymes
• Increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Immune System Effects

• Reduced ability of the immune system to fight infections
• Decreased antibody response to vaccines, particularly in children
• Increased risk of allergies and asthma

Reproductive and Developmental Effects

• Decreased fertility
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia
• Developmental delays in children
• Lower birth weight
• Delayed onset of puberty in girls

Endocrine Disruption

• Interference with natural hormones
• Thyroid dysfunction, including increased risk of hypothyroidism

Metabolic Effects

• Increased risk of obesity
• Lipid and insulin dysregulation
• Increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, particularly in women

Cancer Risk

Increased risk of certain cancers, including:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer (limited evidence)

Bone Health

• Decreased bone mineral density in adolescents, potentially leading to increased risk of osteoporosis

It’s important to note that the health effects of PFAS can vary depending on factors such as the specific type of PFAS, level and duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility. Research is ongoing to better understand the long-term health impacts of PFAS exposure, especially at low levels over extended periods.