ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Hazardous Products Act (HB 5657), introduced by State Representative Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), would take critical steps to turn the tap off PFAS in Michigan by banning intentionally added PFAS in certain products, such as cookware, cosmetics, children’s products, and firefighting foam by 2027. It would ultimately ban the sale and distribution of all products containing intentionally added PFAS by 2032, unless deemed unavoidable. 

“We applaud the efforts of Representative Tsernoglou to introduce legislation that would limit the presence of toxic PFAS chemicals in Michigan and protect Michiganders from the impacts of PFAS exposure,” said Cathy Martin, Great Lakes drinking water policy coordinator at the National Wildlife Federation. “This legislation is an opportunity for Michigan to serve as a leader in state policy that turns off the tap on PFAS and stops these harmful chemicals from entering our homes and environment.”

Known as "forever chemicals," PFAS are a class of more than 12,000 chemicals, which have been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, reproductive problems, and weakened immune system. PFAS are pervasive and do not break down in their environment; across the globe, water, air, land, wildlife, and food have become contaminated with PFAS as a result of manufacturing, use, and disposal of PFAS-containing products. Michigan alone has 280 contaminated sites and spends millions of dollars every year to clean up PFAS contamination and treat PFAS in our water systems. 

Recently the Biden Administration announced the first federal, legally-enforceable drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals. This is a monumental step towards protecting Americans from exposure to PFAS in their drinking water. Product bans like HB 5657 prevent PFAS from entering our homes and waterways in the first place, and limit the mounting costs of PFAS treatment and cleanup in our communities.