California Limits on ‘Forever Chemicals’ PFAS in Products Are Effective, Study Says

By: The Guardian

Nov 22, 2024

California’s pioneering restrictions on toxic chemicals in consumer products under Proposition 65 have significantly reduced levels of harmful compounds in residents’ bodies. A new peer-reviewed study analyzed 37 chemicals regulated under Prop 65, which was enacted in 1986 to warn consumers about chemicals causing cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. The study found substantial declines in blood levels of several dangerous chemicals, such as PFAS and bisphenol A (BPA), with reductions often exceeding national averages. These results suggest that the regulation not only benefits Californians but may also influence chemical reformulations nationwide.

The research highlighted a drop in median levels of PFAS compounds like PFOS (77%) and PFOA (62%), alongside a 15% decrease in BPA. However, the authors noted that declines might also be attributed to broader regulatory efforts across other states and federal initiatives. Despite these successes, the study raised concerns about companies substituting regulated chemicals with structurally similar but still harmful alternatives. For example, as BPA levels dropped, levels of its replacement, bisphenol S (BPS), rose by 20%. Similarly, exposure to certain phthalates decreased only to be replaced by related compounds until they, too, were regulated.

These findings underscore the need for comprehensive chemical policies addressing entire classes of related substances rather than targeting individual chemicals. While California’s restrictions have proven effective, the study authors emphasized that such measures must evolve to prevent harmful substitutions. The results also highlight the broader impact of regulations and advocate for stronger national actions to tackle toxic chemicals in consumer products.

For more details, see the original article and the published study.