The Vermont House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Thursday, March 13, to outlaw the use of toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in dental floss, cleaning products, and fluorine-treated containers — a critical step in reducing Vermonters’ exposure to these harmful substances.
According to the Vermont Dept. of Health, PFAS exposure can lead to reproductive and developmental disorders, decreased antibody response to vaccines, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, certain types of cancer, and more.
The bill (H.238), given initial approval by the House in a voice vote, builds on earlier legislation adopted in Vermont that addressed PFAS in personal care products, menstrual products, textiles, cookware, rugs and carpets, artificial turf, ski wax, and more.
“This law will be another important step toward protecting Vermonters and our environment from exposure to toxic PFAS,” said Anna Seuberling, environmental health advocate with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG). “In fact, it’s hard to imagine a more direct path of exposure than using a string coated with PFAS to clean your teeth every day.”
In addition to adding more products to the list of those that must soon be free from intentionally added PFAS, the legislation strengthens the definition of what it means for the chemical to be “intentionally added.” The new definition will cover a broader use of PFAS in the manufacturing process, meaning that the standard will be more protective, even for products already covered by existing law.
“This legislation demonstrates that it is still possible to find broad agreement when it comes to protecting public health and our environment from dangerous chemicals like PFAS in consumer products,” said Rep. Amy Sheldon (D-Middlebury), chair of the House Environment Committee. “Toxic PFAS does not belong in products that we use in our homes every day. These are dangerous chemicals, and they are not necessary in things like dental floss, cleaning products, and the many other items we’ve already addressed in previous legislation. This is a win for public health and our environment,” Sheldon added.
The legislation got final approval in the House last Friday and will be on the agenda in the Senate in the coming weeks.
