Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a law banning the use of PFAS chemicals in the production of apparel and clothing in New York.
The legislation, which was sponsored by state Senator Brad Hoylman and Assemblywoman Pat Fahy, is set to come into effect on December 31st, 2023.
The chemicals, known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, can be toxic to humans and can contaminate groundwater and drinking water when they leach out of garments during washing.
Environmental organizations have sought to ban the use of PFAS in various consumer and industrial products in recent years.
New York has previously banned the chemicals in firefighting foam and paper-based food packaging.
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