Cancer-causing chemicals ban signed into law in Colorado, 13th state to bar PFAS products

Colorado officially has a ban on forever chemicals, joining a growing list of states taking action to eliminate the chemicals linked to cancer from a wide array of products, including cosmetics, carpets and food packaging.

On May 1, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed SB24-081 Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Chemicals (PFAS), which will now prohibit the sale or distribution of certain products containing PFAS in a gradual product phaseout beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and continuing through 2028.

Perfluoroalkyls are also known as "forever chemicals" for their nearly indestructible properties. Since the 1940s, PFAS have been used to repel oil and water as well as resist heat in nonstick cookware, in stain-resistant clothing and firefighting foam. Since then, numerous studies have shown that exposure to certain PFAS over a long period of time can cause cancer and other illnesses. 

According to anti-PFAS advocacy group Safer States, Colorado joins 12 other states that have now banned the sale of firefighting foam with PFAS and several others in phasing out food packaging with the substances and restrictying them in rugs and product treatments.

Investigation:70 million Americans drink water from systems reporting PFAS to EPA. Is yours on our map?

A House sponsor of the bill, Adams County Democratic Rep. Manny Rutinel, explained that the bill would prohibit the sale of intentionally added PFAS in various products including cookware, dental floss, menstrual products, cleaning products and ski wax.

Starting in 2028, intentionally added PFAS in textile articles, outdoor apparel and food equipment will also be prohibited.

"This bill is about safeguarding our water resources, protecting public health, and envisioning a future where our everyday products are free from toxic chemicals" Rutinel said in an email to the Coloradoan.

Last year, the Enviornmental Protection Agency required water systems across the nation to test for dozens of types of PFAS and, in response, will now enforce maximum contaminant levels of four parts per trillion. Multiple areas across Colorado tested unsafe levels of PFAS in the water.

See our map:Is your water system among hundreds that reported PFAS above new EPA limits?

Removing PFAS from water is achievable using filtering technologies like granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems, according to the EPA.

Colorado Democratic Sen. Lisa Cutter stated that although there isn't a full ban on PFAS, it will still make a difference for Coloradans.

"The less you put in the system, the more it will help," Cutter said.

Cutter explained that now the next step will be getting water treatment districts the funding to install filtering technologies but that it might affect Coloradans' water bills.

"This is going to take some time, but federal funding might help, I don't know. The water treatment districts, they want to provide clean drinking water and they have to comply with the new EPA standards, so how do the water treatment facilities become responsible for that? I think a big burden is being put on them and those paying the bills."