Colorado reworks its 2-year-old ‘Forever Chemicals’ law

The Colorado Legislature has passed, and Gov. Jared Polis has signed, a bill that updates the PFAS Act that was adopted only two years ago.

The unusual move shows the states’ interest in dealing with the so-called Forever Chemicals.

In passing Senate Bill 24-081, Colorado’s 2024 Legislature decided the 2022 Legislature was too generous in setting phase-out deadlines for certain outdoor wear, cookware, and artificial turf.

PFAS chemicals are synthetics developed to coat products, making them resistant to heat, water, and oil. They are prevalent in certain products, including nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and fire-fighting foams.  

PFAS chemicals break down slowly in the environment, and current scientific research suggests that exposure may lead to adverse health outcomes.

Colorado’s 2024 PFAS law bans additional products, including cookware, dental floss, menstrual aids, and ski wax, by 2026. The 2022 law covered PFAS-added carpets, cosmetics, fabric treatments, food packaging, juvenile products, oil and gas fluids, textile furnishings, and upholstered furniture.

SB24-081 initially sought to ban the sale of any product containing PFAS by 2032,  But it was cut back before final passage due to business objections. 

Colorado is among the states that have been active in PFAS legislature since “Forever Chemicals” became an issue.  This has included more than $3 billion in state spending to eliminate the harmful “forever chemicals.”  Thirty-four states have considered 302 policies to protect people from the toxins, with 144 adopted in 28 states.

Colorado is among the states where further PFAS actions are considered likely.

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