On January 1, multiple new state laws went into effect, including a ban on “forever chemicals.” Invented in the 1940s and popularized for their ability to resist stains and repulse water, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known as “forever chemicals” because they never break down naturally.
There are thousands of different PFAS chemicals widely used in consumer, commercial, and industrial products. One of the most popular products containing PFAS is non-stick pans. Due to their widespread use and persistence, PFAS are found in environments across the world. One report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested that PFAS are in the blood of 97% of Americans. People can be exposed to PFAS in a variety of ways, such as drinking contaminated water, using products made with PFAS, and eating certain foods.
The chemicals are known to cause health concerns including liver issues, kidney cancer, reproductive effects, and interference with hormones. The new Minnesota law is named “Amara’s Law” in honor of Amara Strande of Maplewood, who died on April 14, 2024 after a long battle with a rare liver cancer. She believed her disease was caused by cell mutations from PFAS in drinking water, and spent her last months testifying in support of a PFAS ban.
Twenty-five states have laws limiting the use of PFAS, but Minnesota’s is considered the most strict in the country. State laws already prohibit the use of PFAS in food packaging and firefighting foam, but the ban requires new products in eleven additional categories to be made without PFAS. The categories include carpets, cosmetics, ski wax, cookware, cleaning products, and more. The law does not cover used items, so products with PFAS could still be sold in thrift stores. This is just the beginning, and starting in 2032, all products with intentionally added PFAS will be banned in Minnesota.