Colorado passes one of the country’s most comprehensive PFAS restrictions on consumer products, oil and gas production

DENVER – On Wednesday, Colorado’s state Legislature passed one of the most comprehensive state bills in the country restricting the sale of consumer products containing PFAS. The bill also aims to restrict PFAS chemicals in fluids used in oil and gas extraction. Many of the restrictions in the bill will go into effect as early as 2024. PFAS are a class of chemicals linked to serious health impacts like cancer, organ damage, and suppression of the immune system. If the bill is signed into law, Colorado will join a growing number of states taking action to help limit PFAS use and exposure. 

The bipartisan bill, HB22-1345, is now headed to the governor’s desk. It will require companies to stop using PFAS chemicals in different consumer products including carpets, furniture, cosmetics, juvenile products, some types of food packaging and the fluids used in oil and gas production. The bill also requires full containment and safe storage of wastes when PFAS-based firefighting foams are used. 

PFAS have already had a devastating impact on drinking water supplies in Colorado. This comes at a time when the state is suffering through historic drought and cannot afford to lose water to chemical contamination. 

In response, consumer advocates from CoPIRG and PIRG issued the following statements:

“Coloradans should be proud that our state has passed one of the most comprehensive bills in the country to restrict ‘forever chemicals.’ These are dangerous chemicals and there is no reason to allow them in our consumer products,” said Danny Katz, CoPIRG executive director. “Colorado is continuing to act in a bipartisan way to stop the exposure to these chemicals that can leach into our waters and bodies, and cause serious health problems like cancer and impairing immune systems.”

“Widespread PFAS contamination is a serious issue across America. I am happy that Colorado is taking comprehensive action to prohibit the use of these dangerous ‘forever chemicals.’” said Emily Rogers, PIRG Zero Out Toxics advocate. “Restricting PFAS use is a common-sense idea to protect public health and our environment. I hope to see more states and the federal government follow Colorado’s lead and take strong action to turn off the tap on PFAS contamination across the country.”